KUALA LUMPUR – National track cyclist Datuk Muhammad Azizulhasni Awang hopes the riders heading for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships next week have what it takes to bring home medals.
Having to sit out the world meet as he is still recovering from open-heart surgery in April, Azizulhasni said Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis have the highest chance of success at the events in Paris from October 12 to 16.
Taking over from Azizulhasni, Shah will be leading the Malaysian contingent at the tournament after showing his potential by winning bronze at the recent 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
While Shah will be focusing on the keirin and sprint events, Fadhil will be competing in the 1km time trial.
Recently, two-time Olympic medallist Azizulhasni had said that Shah’s bronze medal in Birmingham proved that the 26-year-old rider has ascended to another phase of his career.
Azizulhasni commented on the world championships when met by reporters outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya before the launch of National Sports Day yesterday.
He said that he had initially hoped to be part of the event yesterday as a participant but was invited to officiate it instead.
“It is nice to see so many people here enjoying themselves and being part of this event. I actually hoped to take part in the races, but I am officiating several races instead.
“The celebration is a good step to encourage the public to live a healthier lifestyle and together head towards becoming a sporting nation,” said the 2017 World Championships men’s keirin event winner.
The National Sports Day celebration also saw the launch of the National Sports Vision (NSV) 2030, a 10-year plan for the development of sports in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the NSV is a blueprint for holistic sports development aimed at creating a sporting nation by 2030. – The Vibes, October 9, 2022
