KUALA LUMPUR – Sports science, medical support and coaching will be among the key areas prioritised in national track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang’s preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari said these matters were discussed during a meeting with the two-time Olympic medallist at his office last Tuesday, as both parties explored ways to strengthen the veteran cyclist’s preparations for another Olympic campaign.
Taufiq said discussions also covered research and development involving cycling equipment to ensure the athlete’s requirements complied with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regulations throughout the LA28 qualification cycle.
The meeting also addressed plans proposed by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), including the continuation of Azizulhasni’s training programme in Melbourne and participation in major competitions.
These include Asian-level tournaments and the UCI Track Cycling World Cup series, which will be crucial in maximising Malaysia’s qualification points in the sprint and keirin events.
“National Sports Council and National Sports Institute will continue working alongside MNCF to ensure these preparations are carried out in a structured and sustainable manner,” Taufiq said in a Facebook post today.
He also expressed confidence in Azizulhasni’s determination, adding that the nation would continue to support the cyclist, popularly known as the ‘Pocket Rocketman’, in his quest to compete at LA28.
Azizulhasni recently suffered a setback at the World Championships in Shanghai, China, where he failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals of the keirin event.
However, the 38-year-old has enjoyed notable success this year, winning keirin gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, before claiming another gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The veteran cyclist, who has won two Olympic medals, is now targeting another appearance at the world’s biggest sporting event in LA28. – October 30, 2026