KUALA LUMPUR – Three-time Olympic silver medallist Datuk Lee Chong Wei welcomes the potential inclusion of national track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang as a new member of the Road to Gold (RTG) committee.
Speaking to Scoop recently, Chong Wei said that bringing Azizulhasni, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocketman”, on board could significantly benefit Malaysia’s top athletes as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Chong Wei also suggested that more ex-athletes should be included in the Youth and Sports Ministry’s top-up initiative for their expertise.
Currently, the RTG committee includes three former international athletes: Chong Wei, eight-time squash world champion Datuk Nicol David and national hockey legend and three-time Olympian Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi.
According to Chong Wei, Azizulhasni is not only a world-class athlete but also a leader with extensive experience competing at the highest level.
“Yes, I wholeheartedly agree that someone like Azizulhasni should be part of the RTG programme.
“We go a long way back, and I can vouch that including him in the programme would be a huge boost for our elite athletes as they prepare for the LA Games in 2028.
“Right now, we already have Nicol, who will oversee the preparation of the national squash team for the LA Games.
“After Paris, it’s clear that weightlifting and cycling are among the focus sports for LA.
“Personally, I believe it’s important to have strong individuals, like us former internationals, leading our elite programme,” said Chong Wei.
Azizulhasni, 36, recently announced his retirement after making his fifth and final Olympic appearance at the Paris Games.
Unfortunately, there was no golden swansong for him, as he was disqualified in the first round of the men’s keirin following a technical infringement.
However, it didn’t take long for the former world champion to discuss what had happened and his plans for the future.
Azizulhasni said he will take some time off to spend with his family before deciding on his next steps. The Dungun-born cyclist did mention his desire to give back to the sport he loves.
“Cycling is my passion, and I will definitely give back to the sport that I have dedicated half my life to. In what capacity, I will have to wait and see,” he said recently.
In his absence, the Malaysian track cycling team still delivered a commendable performance in Paris, with Shah Firdaus Sahrom reaching the men’s keirin final and debutant Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri setting a new national record in the women’s sprint (10.709sec).
Earlier, Azizulhasni had also set a national record (9.402sec) in the qualifying round of the men’s sprint.
“If you look at our careers, they are almost identical. I had to give up badminton because of health reasons (nose cancer), while Azizul, who also underwent open-heart surgery, didn’t achieve the gold medal he aimed for in Paris.
“But this is bigger than us; we still want to see a Malaysian win the gold. We’re not getting paid for this (RTG), but I believe it is only fitting for us to give back to the country and government that supported us through the ups and downs of our careers,” added Chong Wei, who retired in 2019, before the Tokyo Olympics. – August 12, 2024