KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling ace Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, who was conferred the Darjah Bakti by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Monday (June 1), described the award as a timely boost ahead of his final appearances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year.
The 38-year-old, nicknamed the Pocket Rocketman, was the sole recipient of the Darjah Bakti award, which was presented to him by the King during the 2026 Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with His Majesty’s official birthday celebration at Istana Negara.
"Soon, there will be the Commonwealth Games (in July), followed by the Asian Games at the end of September. This (the conferment of the Darjah Bakti award) will serve as a source of motivation for me as I make my final appearances in both these Games,” he told Bernama after the Investiture Ceremony.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist said receiving the Darjah Bakti award was one of the most meaningful moments of his career as a national athlete.
He also described the recognition as a great honour, noting that the Darjah Bakti is among the nation’s highest awards, as it is limited to only 10 living recipients at any one time.
"At first, I could hardly believe it, but when I was informed about it, I accepted it with immense gratitude and great honour,” he said.
He also expressed his deepest gratitude to His Majesty for graciously conferring the award upon him.
Azizulhasni also hoped that the recognition he received would serve as an inspiration to national athletes to continue to work hard and bring glory to Malaysia on the international stage.
"If we strive sincerely for the country, consistently bring honour to the nation and uphold its good name, insya-Allah, our efforts will be appreciated.
"The most important thing is to pursue success first and to give our very best for the country we love, and everything else will follow, insya-Allah,” he said.
With today’s conferment, Azizulhasni becomes only the third Malaysian athlete to receive the award, joining badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and squash great Datuk Nicol Ann David, who were honoured in 2021 and 2024, respectively.
The award recognises Azizulhasni’s outstanding dedication, achievements and enduring contribution to Malaysian sport, particularly in elevating the profile of track cycling and enhancing the nation’s reputation on the international stage. — Bernama
