Azizulhasni A National Asset, Velodrome Renaming Proposal Welcomed - Taufiq

TAIPING, May 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has described national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang as a highly valuable asset whose contributions must continue to be recognised and preserved for the advancement of the country’s sporting excellence.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry welcomed the motion approved by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) today to rename the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan as Velodrom Azizulhasni as the highest form of appreciation for the athlete.

“We welcome the proposal, and we will certainly hold further discussions with the federation and all relevant parties on the matter.

“I would like to place on record that Datuk Jijoe (Azizulhasni) is an asset that we must safeguard and sustain.

“God willing, at the KBS level, we are always open to such matters and view that our national assets must be elevated and continuously recognised at both the ministry and government levels,” he told reporters after officiating the Malaysia International Muay Championship 2026 (MIMAC 3.0) at Dataran Warisan here tonight.

Earlier, MNCF approved a motion for the National Velodrome to be renamed as Velodrom Azizulhasni in recognition of the ace’s contributions to Malaysian cycling.

Meanwhile, touching on the future of ‘The Pocket Rocketman’ ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), Dr Mohammed Taufiq said the ministry did not wish to place any pressure on the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist to continue competing.

He explained that the government was giving Azizulhasni full space and freedom to consider the best course for his career before making any final decision.

“We are still at the discussion stage on the matter, and we are leaving the decision entirely up to Datuk Jijoe.

“We are giving him the space to consider what the best next step is, and certainly we are providing him with the freedom and sufficient room to think about the matter,” he said.

Former MNCF vice-president Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar had previously said Azizulhasni should not be pressured to continue competing until the LA28 Olympic Games.

-- BERNAMA