PETALING JAYA: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang broke down in tears after receiving confirmation from the National Sports Council (NSC) and Youth and Sports Ministry that his services are still needed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
An emotional Azizul said he received an email from NSC and the ministry on Monday (Aug 31) confirming this.
"Today, on Merdeka Day, I have just opened my email at the track (velodrome), it is my first training session after a week," he said in a video posted on social media.
"I could not train for the past week, when I went for training, I felt nothing in my legs, nothing in my mind.
"I received an email from NSC and the Ministry (today), they (stated that) they still need my services.
"I have been waiting for this (decision) since before the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and today, I am grateful to have received the answer.
"Nobody will understand this (feeling). If you don't go through this yourself, you will never understand.
"Only real athletes, only those who have sacrificed for the nation, understands how it feels."
MNCF earlier disclosed that they have received confirmation from NSC and the ministry that the latter two will provide Azizul with the support he needs to qualify and compete at LA 2028.
Azizul, who has long indicated his desire to retire from competitive cycling, said he would only continue racing until Los Angeles in 2028 if NSC and the Youth and Sports Ministry require his services.
The 38-year-old demanded a decision from the authorities to enable him to plan his Olympic qualification campaign.
The matter became a major issue within Malaysian cycling recently as Azizul was not happy that NSC had yet to make a firm decision and made his grievances public on social media.
Netizens sided with the former keirin world champion as NSC and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari came under heavy criticism.
Azizul thanked the public for their support.
"I did not ask one person (public) to support me, but I am very grateful to thousands of Malaysians who came out to help me, be it through texts or comments.
"It meant a lot to me and brought a big impact.
"As always, I will do my best for my beloved country and for all of you (Malaysians)."
