KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Institute (ISN) will enlist heart specialist Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon to monitor former world champion Azizulhasni Awang at the Paris Olympics.
Its chief executive officer, Ahmad Faedzal Ramli, said this is a precautionary measure in case of unforeseen circumstances affecting the 36-year-old athlete or any other national athletes competing in Paris.
"It is crucial to monitor Azizulhasni's heart condition in case of any unexpected incidents. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Azizulhasni, and all athletes, are well cared for throughout the Olympic Games," he told the media on Saturday.
Dr Jeffrey was among the individuals, including Australian cardiothoracic surgical consultant Dr Aubrey Almeid, responsible for managing and seeking optimal solutions for the heart condition experienced by The Pocket Rocketman.
The silver medallist in men's keirin at Tokyo 2020 had previously confirmed a rare heart issue known as anomalous aortic origin of right coronary artery (AAORCA).
The Terengganu-born athlete underwent a three-hour corrective surgery on 21 April 2022. - Bernama