By Maryam Iman Binti Norhashimi
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 January 2022: National track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang revealed on Sunday that he had turned down several golden opportunities to race in Europe and Japan for the sake of his beloved country.
Bernama reported although he was aware that taking up the offers would have been a boon to his career path, he was more certain that it would have also disrupted the preparation for major tournaments such as sports events which are the priority for the national team.
The 2020 Olympic Games’ silver medallist also acknowledged that a lot of investments were done by Malaysia to ensure he is what he is today, therefore, he tried his best to repay every sen invested in the form of achievements, sacrifice, and contribute to the community and his beloved country.
Among the offers that he had turned down was an invitational race in Europe, like the Six Day Series which receives extensive coverage at the international level.
Mohd Azizulhasni, affectionately known as the ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, also said that he was offered to join the Drapac Professional Cycling road cycling team when he was in Melbourne, Australia.
He also received an impressive invitation letter from the Japanese Keirin Association (JKA), in the traditional Japanese format, complete with a seal.
“It is the ambition of every keirin rider to be selected and race there, the opportunity to win big money was also among the things offered,” he said.
He added that all the lucrative offers were turned down politely as his main priority was in the national team. ***
Source: Bernama