KUALA LUMPUR — A father’s unwavering sacrifice has become the cornerstone of his son’s burgeoning success in the world of cycling.
Mohd Hairul Azmi, a former flatland BMX rider with over a decade of passion for the sport, dreamt for his son Muhammad Afi Arsyad to soar to heights he once only dreamed of.
At just eight years old, Afi stands as a prodigy, making waves in both local and international cycling competitions.
Yet, this remarkable journey is not a solitary venture.
Behind every pedal stroke and triumph, there stands a steadfast pillar of support—his father.
Speaking to Scoop, Hairul expressed pride in Afi’s accomplishments, highlighting the family’s appreciation for his contributions.
“Afi’s interest in the sport began at six, and he started competing at seven. I saw the spark in his eyes, the same spark I had when I was his age.
“I have taught him some tricks, and he mainly learned more about the sport by watching YouTube videos.
“Despite facing financial challenges in my youth, I’ve worked tirelessly in an engineering firm to ensure Afi has the training, equipment, and opportunities he needs.
“I want him to succeed where I couldn’t,” he said.
Even at his tender age, Hairul acknowledges Afi’s remarkable sense of responsibility and maturity with deep satisfaction, adding that he is thrilled by his son’s progress.
“As a father, I will always stand by him. Afi has a great sense of responsibility and maturity for his age, and he has been a son who always wanted to bring a good name to the family through this sport.
“I would love to see him achieve more in the years to come and overcome any challenges,” said Hairul when contacted.
Acknowledging financial struggles, Hairul credited Folobmx for supporting Afi’s journey.
He expressed his gratitude towards Folobmx for sponsoring Afi on many occasions, easing his financial burdens and providing championship exposures.
“Honestly speaking, I was actually struggling to balance my finances and to get sponsorship for my son’s passion. The cost of attending a competition is around RM10,000.
“However, the moment I got Folobmx on board, it really helped me to lift a weight off my shoulders as they have sponsored my son on many occasions and given him many championship exposures.
“I will forever be grateful to them for supporting my son,” Hairul added.
Afi’s previous achievements include first place in Rocket Garage 3.0, second place in the Malaysian National Championship, and third place in Seven Scapes.
As Afi continues to break barriers, Hairul remains dedicated to supporting his son’s dreams, showcasing the power of familial support in the pursuit of cycling excellence. — November 25, 2023