Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh with Azizulhasni Awang.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian sport fans can rejoice as rider Azizulhasni Awang will be back in action for another year as a professional track cyclist under Team Azizul.
Azizul, 37, announced his intention to extend his illustrious riding career with his sight set on the Asian Games in Japan from Sept 19-Oct 4 next year.
The former keirin world champion announced his decision during a special press conference, which was also attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in Bukit Jalil on Saturday (April 19).
He will be given a RM200,000 grant from National Sports Council for his training and competition needs.
Azizul, who plans to return to training next month with the national team in Nilai, said it was not an easy decision to make after what had happened at the Paris Olympic Games last year.
"I'm still feeling the effects of what had happened to me until today," said Azizul.
Azizul was disqualified in the first round heat in Paris for moving ahead of the derny, thus destroying his hopes of winning a third straight Olympic medal for the nation.
Azizul, who took bronze in Rio de Janeiro (2016) and silver in Paris (2021), then announced he wanted to take a break from competitive cycling and focus on his studies.
"That's why I needed time to make this decision. I had to consult with the association, my sponsors and most importantly my family.
"I would need time to get back my pace but you know me, when I say I'll give my best, I really mean it," said Azizul.
