[UPDATED] Road To Gold committee concedes to Azizulhasni’s requests

KUALA LUMPUR – All of Datuk Azizulhasni Awang’s requests have been approved by the Road to Gold (RTG) committee, said programme coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam today.

Azizulhasni, who secured double gold at the just concluded Asian Track Cycling Championships in Nilai, had voiced his displeasure with the National Sports Council (NSC) on social media.

Among his complaints were on the relocation of the national track cycling team from their Melbourne base back to Malaysia and how his allowance was not paid for 12 months.

“Datuk Azizulhasni is a shining light for us, and we hope we can provide as much support to him as possible.

“The RTG committee today reviewed his requests, and all items have been approved. 

“We will ensure seamless support and communication with him and his coaching team,” said Stuart at a press conference after the RTG meeting at National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil here, today. 

According to Bernama, Azizulhasni had a discussion with some NSC officials recently.

While he does not blame NSC as a whole for the issues he had raised, he was reported as saying that there are “a few black sheep” who had made a dent in the council’s reputation.

“I’m a world champion…that is enough to show everyone that I deserve the best treatment.

“To be in the Olympics and win a medal twice is not easy. Then I came back from open heart surgery and won two golds at the Asian level.

“We should be proud…even with my small size, I can dominate at the world level, which also inspires up-and-coming athletes and young people.

“If people still ignore my abilities and capabilities, I don’t know what to say.

“If it’s true that I don’t deserve it, I understand, but the path to the Olympics is a little over a year away.

“This is my last Olympics. Just give me good support,” Bernama quoted Azizulhasni as saying.

The track cycling star’s previous stints at the Olympics were winning a bronze in Rio 2016 and silver in Tokyo 2020.

Speedy Tigers in

Meanwhile, the committee has also decided to rope hockey into the programme.

The Speedy Tigers will compete at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September, where the winner will qualify for the Paris Olympics next year.

“The RTG committee has decided to include hockey in the existing programme.

“They will receive the support necessary towards the Asian Games where qualification is very important,” added Stuart.

In the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games in 2018, Malaysia finished as runners-up losing the final 3-1 in a penalty shootout.

Stuart also mentioned that the total budget of RM6.9 million was approved in the meeting today for RTG athletes ahead of the Paris Olympics.

“This is based on the current athletes and the inclusion of hockey into the RTG programme, the support services that have been agreed upon especially around areas to improve performance, and training environments decided upon to ensure that performance is prioritised.” – The Vibes, June 19, 2023