Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is set to approach the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the National Sports Council (NSC) with a formal request to reintegrate Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang into the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. This initiative comes as part of efforts to secure his participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MNCF President Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill announced plans to send an official letter to Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and NSC Director-General Jefri Ngadirin next week. The letter will convey the federation's intent to have Azizulhasni, the 2026 Commonwealth Games men's keirin gold medallist, represent Malaysia in LA 2028.
Amarjit emphasized the federation's unwavering support for Azizulhasni, noting the need for a supportive ecosystem. He conveyed his belief that Azizulhasni is eager to compete in the Olympics, provided he receives comprehensive backing. "The MNCF will give him our total support because, at the end of the day, the federation has to be the one to push his name forward," he stated.
Azizulhasni recently clinched the gold medal in the men's keirin event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, ending a 16-year wait for the title. However, he has expressed the need to finalize his decision regarding participation in LA 2028 before the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
Previously part of the RTG programme for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Azizulhasni's future involvement hinges on timely decisions, given the Olympic qualification process commencing at the World Championships in Shanghai from October 14-18. Amarjit stressed the importance of resolving Azizulhasni's status before the Asian Games, to ensure alignment with the Olympic qualification timeline.
The federation remains open to Azizulhasni's choice of continuing as an independent rider or rejoining the national set-up, prioritizing arrangements that align with his interests. Amarjit highlighted the cyclist's maturity and experience, emphasizing that the decision should be in Azizulhasni's best interest. "I'm flexible on that," Amarjit concluded, acknowledging Azizulhasni's previous decision to pursue his professional career independently.