KUALA LUMPUR - National cycling icon Mohd Azizulhasni Awang is all fired up for the Tokyo Olympics in July after being ranked No. 1 in the individual sprint in the latest UCI (Union Cyclists Internationale) rankings.
“I am very happy with the current ranking. It is certainly a boost for me in my preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. It is also good news for the country’s cycling community.
“I hope Malaysians will continue to pray for me to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics,” he said.
Based on the latest rankings issued yesterday by UCI, the world governing body for sports cycling, Azizulhasni, fondly called ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, collected 1,600 points to clinch the top spot in the individual sprint.
Japanese cyclist Tomohiro Fukaya is second with 1,442.5 points, followed by Sam Webster of New Zealand in third place (1,390 points).
In keirin, Azizulhasni is in second place after collecting 1,740 points, coming behind Kevin Quintero of Colombia, who collected 1,790 points.
The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist also said the good news is also a source of inspiration to all young athletes in the country to chase their dreams.
Meanwhile, in a Twitter post, Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, extended his congratulations to Azizulhasni over the feat.
‘You’ve already been No. 1 in Malaysia for so long… and now you’ve taken your well-deserved spot at the top of the world. Steady Jijoe! @AzizulAWANG Keep it up,’ said Reezal Merican today on his Twitter handle @reezal_merican.
In the individual sprint category, Mohd Azizulhasni's teammates, namely Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, is in 18th spot with 922.5 points, while Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis is in 103rd place (237 points) and Amar Danial Masri is in 248th place (75 points). – Bernama, 10 February, 2021.
