Take my future seriously or I’ll walk away, Azizulhasni tells ministry

Malaysia's track cycling hero Azizulhasni Awang, a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has threatened to retire from international competition if the government fails to commit to his continued participation. The 38-year-old cyclist, currently facing a decision from the youth and sports ministry and National Sports Council (NSC), remains open to competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

However, he has yet to receive a definitive commitment from the government regarding his future. Azizulhasni emphasizes that the real issue is whether Malaysia genuinely requires and wants him to continue representing the nation, rather than just focusing on his willingness to participate in LA 2028. Last week, youth and sports minister Dr. Taufiq Johari stated that the government would decide on Azizulhasni's future after the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, considering the operational requirements for supporting him, not just financial aspects.

Despite Taufiq's assertion that discussions between the parties are constructive and positive, Azizulhasni remains prepared to retire if the ministry does not take the situation seriously, citing Malaysia's achievements in Glasgow as a reason to hang up his bike permanently. The World Championships, scheduled two weeks after the Asian Games, will kick off the Olympic qualifying campaign.