KUALA LUMPUR: National track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang is set to make his fifth appearance at the Olympics, more than any other Malaysian male athlete has achieved before.
Earlier today, Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill confirmed that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) have officially approved slots for three track riders — Azizulhasni, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri — and one road rider at the Paris Olympics.
Nur Aisyah Zubir will compete in the road discipline, making her the first Malaysian female cyclist to compete in the event at the Olympics. All four riders have qualified on merit.
Azizulhasni, who has competed in every edition of the Olympics since Beijing 2008, will surpass shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016) when he takes to the track in Paris.
Azizulhasni will equal diver Datuk Leong Mun Yee for most number of appearances at the Olympics (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Tokyo 2020).
"Qualifying for the fifth time is a historic achievement which adds to my legacy as I will be the first Malaysian male athlete to do so," said Azizulhasni on social media today.
"The (Olympic) qualifying process for cycling is tough and complicated, and there are also various other challenges that have to be faced.
"I will be 36 years old this time, an age where most believe it is already too late and the performances of an athlete have already plateaued.
"What I would like to highlight here is that it is not impossible for us to go against the norms.
"I believe that most people know that my presence in the sporting arena is not merely to qualify for the competition.
"Ever since Beijing 2008, my objective has been much more than that and it has never faded."
Azizulhasni added that he and his teammates were in their final phase of preparations for the games.
He urged Malaysians to support all national athletes competing in Paris.
The Dungun-born rider aims to become the first Malaysian athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.
The keirin specialist claimed silver at Tokyo 2020.
He previously took bronze in the discipline at Rio 2016.