BUKIT JALIL — National track cycling icon Datuk Azizulhasni Awang will be passing the torch to his teammate Shah Firdaus Sharom, entrusting him with the responsibility to excel in the keirin and individual pursuit events at the Asian Games.
Azizulhasni’s decision to step back from the upcoming Asiad was due to soft tissue injuries sustained in a high-speed training crash on Friday.
“This is the time for Shah Firdaus to shine because he has the determination to succeed.
“We saw at the Asian Track Cycling Championships where he crashed but still got up even though he was injured.
“He has everything he needs to win gold in Hangzhou,” he said.
While the Pocket Rocketman acknowledged that Shah is an elite racer, he believes that the key difference lies in their mental strength.
“The same can be said for Fadhil, he is among the strongest among us in the gym but he still lacks self-belief.
“Hopefully his participation (in keirin) will force him to show his true ability.
“I told him it is time for him to take responsibility (and carry the hopes of the nation). It is not easy being under pressure but if not now then when?
“It is a good opportunity for everyone.” said the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist.
Muhammad Fadhil Zonis, originally slated for the team pursuit alongside Muhammad Ridhwan Sahrom, will now join the keirin event.
Azizulhasni admits that this decision is one of the toughest in his career, even after undergoing heart surgery in 2021.
However, he prioritises proper healing from his injuries and preparation for the Paris Olympics next year.
His history with the Asian Games includes a memorable debut in Doha 2010, where he secured double gold medals.
His last appearance in the event was in the sprint discipline in Jakarta/Palembang 2018.
The Asian Games kick off officially this Saturday. — September 20, 2023