KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 —The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) welcomes the decision by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the National Sports Council (NSC) to support Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang in spearheading the country’s mission to qualify and compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28)
MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said the decision provided much-needed clarity and paved the way for Azizulhasni to focus fully on the challenging Olympic qualifying campaign, beginning with the 2026 UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai in October.
He said the MNCF had, in fact, begun detailed preparations for the LA28 qualification pathway for the keirin and sprint events well before the latest decision was made.
On July 7, the MNCF held detailed discussions with NSC, represented by its director-general and senior officials, to discuss the qualification pathway to LA28, including the qualification requirements and international competitions that national cyclists need to participate in to accumulate Olympic ranking points, with the aim of maximising the number of Malaysian cyclists who can qualify.
"This is important because the LA28 qualification process requires careful planning from the outset, including a clear understanding of the competition pathway and the type of support required throughout the qualification period,” he said in a statement today.
He added that on Aug 10, the MNCF officially wrote to the Youth and Sports Minister and NSC to state its position that it wanted the 38-year-old Azizulhasni to continue representing Malaysia in the mission towards LA28 and expressed its full support for his efforts.
"We are extremely happy that the government and the NSC have responded positively. This is an important decision not only for Azizulhasni, but also for Malaysian cycling and the country’s aspirations at LA28,” he said.
The NSC, in a letter dated Aug 30, confirmed its support for Azizulhasni as one of the national track cyclists who will be tasked with accumulating LA28 Olympic qualification points alongside athletes under the NSC’s Road to Gold (RTG) and Podium programmes.
The Youth and Sports Minister also instructed the NSC to ensure the continuity of the national track cyclists’’ qualification process for LA28.
"The MNCF greatly appreciates the leadership and support shown by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and NSC in reaching this decision,” said Amarjit.
He said Azizulhasni’s return to play a key role in the Olympic qualification process was based on his current performance and outstanding achievements, while his vast experience would also be invaluable in guiding and inspiring other national cyclists who are also pursuing qualification for LA28.
The decision has also paved the way for greater clarity in Azizulhasni’s mission towards LA28, especially in terms of high-performance support, training programmes and participation in the competitions required throughout the Olympic qualification process.
"Azizulhasni has given so much to Malaysian sports and Malaysia needs him to take on this important challenge and responsibility for the country. He continues to prove that he is still capable of competing successfully at the highest level.
"His experience, commitment and champion mentality remain major assets to the national track cycling programme,” stressed Amarjit.
He added that the road to LA28 would not be easy and would require a concerted effort, with the focus now on the qualifying process and ensuring the best possible preparations to carry Malaysia’s challenge at the Games. — Bernama
