Top rider Azizul shows he can also get it right in the kitchen

Hungry for more: Azizulhasni Awang already has two gold medals from previous Asian Games campaigns. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Many know Azizulhasni Awang as one of the best in the world when it comes to keirin racing but there is also another side many are not aware of.

The pint-sized cyclist, who has won two Olympic and seven World Championships medals throughout 20 years of dedication in Malaysian cycling, likes to whip up his own meal in the kitchen.

Azizul has a passion for cooking and often comes up with dishes not just for his loved ones but also his cycling mates whenever they have a reason to celebrate.

Azizul, in an interview, said his interest in cooking began when he joined the Melbourne training base back in 2007.

“It was necessary for me to know how to cook simple meals rather than eating out all the time,” he said.

“Nutrition is very important to me, especially as I get older through the years.

Azizul showing the steak that he prepared after a training session.

“I realised from early on in my career that it was best that I prepared my own meals as I have a certain diet to follow,” said Azizul, who was also motivated to learn how to cook dishes that his wife Datin Athiah Ilyana Abdul Samat likes.

“Cooking is an enjoyable pastime for me. We take turns to cook during weekends when we have the time and especially during the fasting month.

“I am pleased if things turn out fine but it’s also frustrating when they don’t,” said the Terengganu-born cyclist, who is now in training camp in Brisbane to prepare for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

He treats himself to high quality beef steak occasionally after every high intensity training session.

“I cook my own steak bought by my wife. I brought like 10 pieces from Melbourne to Brisbane as high quality meats are cheaper in Malaysia. I go for meats leaner in fat,” he said.

And hopes are high on the 38-year-old wannabe chef to whip up a storm for Malaysia at Izu Velodrome in Tokyo when the track cycling competition gets underway from Sept 29 to Oct 2.

“It’s my last Asian Games and I hope I can bring something good back again.

“The competition will be tough but they will have to bring out the best in them to beat me,” said the former world champion, who is making a fourth and final Asian Games appearance.

Azizul already has two gold medals from previous Asian Games campaigns. He won the keirin event in his Asiad debut in Guangzhou back in 2010 and claimed another gold in the individual sprint in Jakarta edition in 2018.

FACT FILE

Competition dates: Sept 29-Oct 2

Venue: Izu Velodrome

Squad

Men: Azizulhasni Awang (men’s individual sprint and keirin); Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom (men’s individual sprint, keirin and team sprint); Mohd Fadhil Zonis (men’s team sprint); Mohd Ridhwan Sahrom (men’s team sprint); Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena (men’s team sprint); Lau New Joe (men’s omnium).

Women: Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri (women’s team sprint, individual sprint and keirin); Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid (women’s team sprint, individual sprint and keirin); Anis Amira Rosidi (women’s team sprint); Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan (women’s team sprint).

How they fared at last Asian Games: Four bronzes from Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom (men’s individual sprint and keirin); Umar Hasbullah, Mohd Ridwan Sahrom and Mohd Fadhil Zonis (men’s team sprint); Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, Anis Amira Rosidi and Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan (women’s team sprint)

Target: One gold