KUALA LUMPUR — National track cycling technical director John Beasley says Datuk Azizulhasni Awang will always have a place in the national team, should the Olympic medallist choose to don national colours again in upcoming major events.
Beasley’s remarks follow Azizulhasni’s surprise decision to return to competitive racing—not as part of the national squad, but on a professional basis.
Speaking to reporters, Beasley welcomed the move and said Azizulhasni’s presence would still be a huge boost for the national set-up.
“We have encouraged him to keep going, and we see no reason why he should retire. He has always been an athlete who gives 100% for the country.
“He has been training extremely hard over the past 18 years and simply wanted a short break after the Paris Olympics to regain his fitness and mental strength.
“I’m really looking forward to having him back. He’s always welcome, and he still has so much to contribute—not just as an athlete, but as a mentor to help develop Shah Firdaus and Ridwan Sahrom,” said Beasley.
Beasley, who began coaching Malaysia in 2006, has been instrumental in Azizulhasni’s rise from a teenage hopeful to one of the world’s best keirin riders.
Under his guidance, the ‘Pocket Rocketman’ won the 2017 world title and claimed Olympic bronze (Rio 2016) and silver (Tokyo 2020).
Paris 2024 marked Beasley’s final outing as head coach before stepping into his current role as technical director.
Azizulhasni’s leadership and competitive edge, Beasley stressed, remain vital assets to Malaysian cycling.
“We certainly can’t write him off yet,” he said. “He’s got the expertise.” — April 19, 2025