LA 2028: Azizulhasni awaits decision from KBS, MSN
The national track cycling star says his future hinges on whether Malaysia still needs his services for the Olympic qualifying campaign.
SEPANG – National track cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang is not ready to decide on his career path towards the Los Angeles (LA) 2028 Olympics, despite proving he remains among the world's best riders by winning the keirin gold at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Instead, the former world champion wants to wait for the official stand of the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), the National Sports Council (MSN) and the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM) on whether his services are still needed for the Olympic qualifying campaign.
"When we talk about the Olympics, it is quite interesting because I have discussed with Jefri Ngadirin, the PKBM representative, and also YB Taufiq about the Olympic qualifying plan, which is rather complicated and packed, but let them decide on the technical matters.
"For me right now, it is not a question of whether I want to go to Los Angeles or not, but whether Malaysia still needs my services. If I am indeed needed, I will first discuss with the team, my family and sponsors before making further plans," he said upon arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.
For now, his full focus is on chasing gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which begin in eight weeks.
"My focus now is the Asian Games because I hope to deliver the same result, although I know it will not be easy given that Japan and China have geared their preparations solely towards the Games.
"We have just finished the Commonwealth Games, we need to go through recovery, return to training and taper again within a short period, but I will take it step by step and hope to repeat the success before possibly hanging up my bike," he said.
Azizulhasni also said he had yet to decide on competing at the World Championships, as the meet will open the LA 2028 qualifying campaign.
"Olympic qualification starts with the World Championships, followed by the Asian Championships, the World Cup series and several other meets, so the decision must be made quickly. If I am not needed, after the Asian Games I would be happy to hang up my bike while still at my peak," he said.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games begin on Sept 23. – UTUSAN
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.