Azizulhasni Yet To Decide On Presence In Podium Programme - Amarjit

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- A decision on whether national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang will remain in the Podium Programme this year, is expected to take another two weeks to unfold. 

Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) President Datuk Amarjit Singh said, Mohd Azizulhasni has yet to confirm his decision to the MNCF and National Sports Council (NSC) as of today.

“I think previously he mentioned that he would like to meet the Youth and Sports Minister (Hannah Yeoh) to discuss about this. So we are waiting for that to happen.

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“I am also told that, next week Datuk Azizulhasni will be leaving to perform Umrah, and I believe if any meeting is going to take place, it will only take place once he is back. So everything is KIV (keep in view) till the next two weeks or so,” he said when contacted. 

Previously, MNCF and the NSC agreed to retain the 2017 keirin world champion in the Podium Programme for 2025, with the NSC had gave him till last Tuesday (Dec 31) to confirm his interest to remain in the programme, just like all other national athletes.

Despite missing the deadline, the Tokyo 2021 Olympics silver medalist and Rio 2016 bronze medallist, can still join the Podium Programme on a later date with payment of salary beginning from the date he signs the contract. 

Mohd Azizulhasni, who will turn 37 on Sunday, still keeps mum on his future with the national team since his last race at the Paris 2024 Olympics, in August. 

At the Paris Olympics, the Pocket Rocketman was disqualified from the men’s keirin event’s first round for overtaking the derny (motorbike pacer), before the derny left the track, while he was relegated in the 1/8 finals of the sprint event. 

Apart from monthly salary, athletes under the Podium Programme are eligible for other benefits including sports science, medical and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions.

-- BERNAMA