KUALA LUMPUR — The National Sports Council (NSC) has given the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) until December 31 to confirm if track cycling star Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang will participate in the Podium Programme next year.
NSC deputy director-general (Sports Development) Jefri Ngadirin said that if the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medallist agrees to rejoin the programme, he must meet the council’s key performance indicators (KPI), including qualifying for the UCI Track World Championships in Santiago, Chile, in October 2025.
“Like all athletes, he (Azizulhasni) will have to meet specific KPIs. If he agrees to the terms, we will extend an offer for his inclusion in the Podium Programme,” said Jefri during a press conference after officiating the Jelajah Juara Esports Malaysia 2024, here today.
“The formal offer will be made on January 1, but for now, we’ve asked the cycling association to reach out to him,” he added.
This clarification comes after media reports yesterday stated that the NSC and MNCF had agreed to retain Azizulhasni in next year’s Podium Programme, provided the 36-year-old rider qualifies for the 2025 UCI Track World Championships. — December 18, 2024