KUALA LUMPUR – After more than two decades of sacrificing for Malaysia, national track cycling icon Datuk Azizulhasni Awang admits it hurts to continue facing criticism questioning his place and contribution to the country.
The 38-year-old said he has given everything throughout a career spanning more than 20 years, yet some have continued to question the opportunities he received and even suggest that money spent on him had been wasted.
For Azizulhasni, such criticism is particularly difficult to accept, especially as he believes he remains capable of competing at the highest level.
“Before this, we did it for the country. I’m proud of it. We do it with all our hearts for the country.
“But there are some people, even in the newspapers – not you guys – who didn’t give me a chance when I was a young athlete. Then they said I wasted the country’s money.
“So, imagine us, who have sacrificed for more than 20 years, when we read something like this. Sometimes, it’s sad,” he told reporters at the Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM) appreciation dinner for the 2026 Commonwealth Games medallists at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) yesterday.
Azizulhasni said he has never competed merely to make up the numbers, stressing that his approach has always been to give his best whenever he represents Malaysia.
“Because I do this for my country. I put everything into it.
“Imagine being in the scene for more than 20 years. I’m 38 years old, but I’m still at the top.
“Because I’m not here to play around. I’m not here just to compete or just to participate.
“But you guys know, whenever I compete, I compete to the best of my ability. I give everything for my country,” he said.
The two-time Olympic medallist said his recent performances have also demonstrated that he remains capable of competing against the world’s best, adding that his achievements at the World Championships had drawn praise from international riders and the media.
“At the World Championships, even the international cyclists and the media were very impressed with my achievement. I even had to do an interview with the BBC.
“So, it’s something very big,” he said.
However, despite believing he still has the ability to compete at the highest level, Azizulhasni said he is prepared to retire if Malaysia no longer requires his services.
He said he has already achieved almost everything he set out to accomplish in the sport and that his decision to continue competing is now driven more by his responsibility to the country than personal ambition.
“If you ask me, I’m happy to retire after the recent Commonwealth Games. I think, what else do I want? I’ve achieved everything.
“Even for the Asian Games, I said it’s okay. For me, it’s okay if I don’t go, if I’m not needed. But I’m continuing this journey because of my duty to the country. I think it’s my responsibility,” he said.
Azizulhasni said he is now waiting for the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and National Sports Council (NSC) to decide whether Malaysia still wants him to continue, particularly as the country begins preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualification campaign.
The uncertainty, he said, has also taken a personal toll.
Having spent six months away from his family while fulfilling his commitments to the national team, Azizulhasni said he needs clarity to plan the next stage of his life and career.
“If they don’t need my services, if Malaysia doesn’t need me this time, then I need to make my own plans.
“I need to fly back to see my family because this time around, I haven’t seen my family for six months. I have left my family for a long time.
“It’s really, really hard. I’m heartbroken,” he said.
Azizulhasni also needs to discuss his future with his sponsors, who have continued to support his professional career.
“I need to sit down with my sponsors too. We need to plan our journey because it’s very important.
“They are the ones who support me, so it’s not fair if I don’t discuss with them what’s next.
“They keep calling and keep asking me, but I can’t tell them because I’m still waiting for KBS and NSC,” he said.
For now, the national cycling icon remains focused on the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
But beyond that, the future of one of Malaysia’s greatest track cyclists remains dependent on one question: Does Malaysia still need him? – August 19, 2026