PETALING JAYA: It was a wait that took way longer than expected for national track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang.
For that, the Pocket Rocketman has called the Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC) unprofessional and incompetent for needing two months and five days to decide on whether he would be a part of Malaysia's plan for the 2028 Olympics.
In a nine-page explanation on social media on Saturday (Aug 29), the former world keirin champion rider said the delay had made it difficult for him to plan his career direction, including preparing for important races that offer qualification points for the 2028 Olympics.
"For me, the Youth and Sports Ministry and NSC are unprofessional and incompetent, so that's why things are dragging on like this," said the 38-year-old cyclist.
Azizul stressed that he is not demanding hundreds of thousands of ringgit from the government to continue his fight to reach the Los Angeles Olympics as he only needs certainty about the support he will receive throughout the training and competition process.
"I don't think the request is an excessive thing. If it's to make things easier, I myself am ready to move on in a fully professional way without receiving grants from the Sports Ministry and NSC.
"The funds can also be channelled to other riders.
"It is the support system during training, competitions and recovery aspects, which are very important to me, especially at my age, to ensure that preparations for the Olympics go smoothly.
"I need this certainty as the World Championships in Shanghai in October will be one of the important events to collect qualification points.
"The Olympic qualification process this time will last for two seasons and involve the World Championships, continental championships and three World Cups each season.
"Collecting points and ranking positions are very important because the path to Olympics does not just depend on athlete registration.
Azizul added after winning gold at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games, he was actually ready to hang up his bike because he felt he had completed his gold collection at all major games except the Olympics.
However, the desire to continue serving his country is a factor that still leaves room for him to continue cycling.
"Many who know my personality know that my patriotic spirit is very high and I am always ready to sacrifice for my beloved country.
''Since stepping foot in the national programme, I have now represented Malaysia for 22 years and I have never felt tired," he said.
Meanwhile, NSC, in a statement, have asked Azizul to submit his programme, targets and budget for the Los Angeles Olympics before they can proceed with funding his campaign.
In an email sent to the five-time Olympian on Aug 27, NSC asked Azizul to submit a complete programme plan and estimated budget to enable them to secure the necessary allocation for his Olympic qualification campaign.
The email followed a meeting on Aug 13 among Azizul, Road to Gold programme head Akmal Ahmad Zainuddin, Podium programme head Halif Asro Ramzi Sulaiman and National Sports Institute (NSI) sports science branch head Izham Mohamad.
