KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation to national track cycling ace Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, who competed in the men's keirin race at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games on Saturday (Aug 10).
"You will always be the nation's gem, thank you," said Anwar in a Facebook Story post with an image of the athlete.
Malaysia’s best hope for its maiden Olympic gold was disqualified from the race for overtaking the derny (motorbike pacer) before it left the track during the first round Heat 1 at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome.
The reigning silver medallist was supposed to race against Australian Matthew Glaetzer, Rayan Helal of France, Japanese Kaiya Ota, Jeffrey Hoogland from the Netherlands and Jair Tjon En Fa of Suriname.
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Glaetzer won the first heat just ahead of Hoogland.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said that her only priority for Azizul is his wellbeing after the incident.
"From day one, I never had to worry about this athlete and his hunger for excellence. He is driven, hardworking and professional. I am angry at the decision to disqualify Azizul - please refer to his earlier post. Did the team appeal? Yes but the decision to disqualify him was final," said Yeoh in a post on her official Facebook account.
She added that Malaysians should be kind to Azizul, his team and his family as they are facing a difficult time.
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"The many sacrifices the family had to make over many years of not having him around because of training hours and competitions abroad. Be kind with your words," said Yeoh.
She also urged parents who were watching the race with their children to take the time to answer the questions they might have.
"It's not going to be easy but you must help them process it even as you struggle to accept it yourself. In sports, the rules will bind you. Azizul our Pocket Rocketman, I will always be supportive of your decision to race because you remain one of the finest athletes Malaysia has. Your wellbeing is now my priority for you. We love you," said Yeoh.
