Tears of joy as Azizul’s prayer answered with Commonwealth Games gold

Emotional triumph: Azizulhasni Awang celebrating after winning the keirin final. —AP

PETALING JAYA: The tears flowed freely for Azizulhasni Awang as soon as he crossed the finish line and climbed off his bike.

At 38, Azizul finally bagged the Commonwealth Games gold medal that had eluded him all these years after beating a classy final field in the men’s keirin, including the former world record holder and defending champion Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago, at Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on Friday.

It was 16 years ago in the 2010 edition in New Delhi, India, when Azizul thought he had won the keirin race only to be relegated from the final for dangerous riding move.

Luckily, the gold stayed in Malaysia with Josiah Ng promoted from second to first.

Azizul had to wait another four editions to banish the demons that had haunted him all these years.

“I was probably the rider with the lowest power output compared to everyone else but the keirin is so special because it’s all about tactics,” said Azizul.

“Today, I showed to the world that I’m the best tactician in the keirin.

“This victory was even more meaningful because it came after endless prayers offered throughout the week here.”

Having drawn fourth position in the final, the crafty Azizul spent the first few laps marking reigning champion Paul before slotting into second position behind Australian World Championship silver medallist Leigh Hoffman, passing him on the final lap to finish with his trademark mini wheelie.

Hoffman settled for silver and Harry Ledingham-Horn of England took the bronze while Paul was fourth.

And with the weight finally off his shoulders, Azizul allowed emotions to get the better of him.

“I prayed so hard to Allah every day to grant me a gold medal. I really wanted to end my career with a gold medal.

“Alhamdulillah, Allah granted my prayer,” said the emotional Azizul, who already had two bronze medals from previous Commonwealth Games campaigns.

Azizul said the adrenaline still kept him awake a few hours after the win.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m 38 and I showed I can still compete against much younger cyclists.

“I could not ask for anything more – to finish with a gold medal in my last Commonwealth Games.

“I focused on my tactics, stayed really patient with my positioning, and made my acceleration at the right time and at the right moment.”

Azizul had reached the main final after finishing second behind Australian Ryan Tayte in the first heat.

Fellow Malaysian Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom’s bid to join Azizul in the final ended after he finished fourth in the second heat.

Shah Firdaus later redeemed himself by winning the consolation final to rank seventh overall.