KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians are placing their hopes on national track cyclist Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang to secure Malaysia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysians have rallied behind the Pocket Rocketman, viewing him as the champion who will put the country on the map.
Muhammad Fakhrullah Firdaus, a government employee from Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara Alor Gajah Alor Gajah, emphasised Azizulhasni’s determination and resilience.
Additionally, he highlighted the athlete’s potential to inspire the nation with an outstanding performance on the Olympic stage.
“Azizulhasni is among the prospects (to clinch the gold medal) that cannot be denied. Insha-Allah, he can do it,” said Firdaus.
Mohamad Asyraf Ishak, a mass communication student from Penang, praised Azizulhasni’s remarkable journey – particularly after undergoing heart surgery two years ago in Melbourne.
“Datuk Azizulhasni might secure the gold because despite the surgery, he still managed to get on the podium,” mentioned Asyraf.
Afiq Radzi, a 38-year-old storekeeper from Bandar Seri Putra, believes that Azizulhasni’s genetic advantage will be crucial in winning the gold medal.
“For cycling, we can win gold because it all comes down to our physicality, because Malaysians are generally light, so he excels, especially in high-cardio sports,” he said.
However, Azlan Mohd Anwar, a senior engineer residing in Cyberjaya, tempered expectations, suggesting that Azizulhasni might only achieve a bronze medal due to the increasingly fierce competition from European countries.
“When it comes to cycling, Azizul might secure a bronze medal, but it’s unlikely he’ll get gold. Europe’s dominance makes it challenging to compete,” he said.
Azizulhasni has gotten close to winning gold at the Olympics in the past. He won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, other Malaysians also believe that Malaysia’s badminton representatives will also have a shot at winning a gold medal at this year’s Olympics.
Nur Aina Syafiqah, a 19-year-old sports store employee, believes that the badminton national men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, have a strong chance of securing gold.
“They have the determination to elevate our nation’s international standing and showcase our country to the world,” said Syafiqah.
Meanwhile, Shaun Saega, a 23-year-old student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, expresses confidence in Lee Zii Jia’s ability to win a medal, considering he is currently Malaysia’s top-ranking player.
“He is our best player now, so if there is sufficient training and he prepares well, he can surely do it.” – March 31, 2024