PETALING JAYA: Cycling star Azizulhasni Awang has given an ultimatum to the National Sports Council (NSC) over his Los Angeles 2028 plans, saying he will walk away from the Asian Games, World Championships and Olympic qualification bid altogether if Malaysia are not serious about retaining his services.
The 38-year-old said he was ready to continue his pursuit of a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics but only if the authorities are genuine in wanting him to remain part of the national set-up.
"I still have not heard anything concrete from Youth and Sports Ministry or NSC about whether they want me to continue through to LA 2028 or whether they still require my services.
"All they have said publicly is that they are prepared to support me if I decide to continue
"As I have mentioned many times since returning from Glasgow, this is no longer simply about whether I want to continue to LA 2028.
"The real question is whether Malaysia genuinely needs and wants me to continue," said the newly crowned Commonwealth Games champion.
His comments came after Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohd Taufiq Johari said last week that the government would decide on Azizul's position after the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, as officials assess the broader operational requirements of supporting him beyond financial considerations.
Taufiq, however, said discussions between the two sides remained constructive and were progressing towards a positive outcome.
"My position is simple, after what we achieved in Glasgow, I am ready to hang up my bike for good.
"But if they continue playing around and are not prepared to treat this situation seriously despite it being a matter of national importance, then I believe it may be best for me to forget about the Asian Games, the World Championships and LA 2028 altogether," said the five-time Olympian cyclist.
The World Championships is just two weeks after the Asian Games and marks the start of the Olympic qualifying campaign.
