KUALA LUMPUR: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, who is retiring from the national team, has "passed the baton" to his younger teammate Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
Azizulhasni said he was proud of Shah's performances in the men's keirin which concluded at the Saint Quentin en Yvelines Velodrome yesterday and is confident he will become a much stronger rider over the next four years.
"To reach the keirin final at the Olympics is not easy, that is a fact," Azizulhasni said on social media today.
"He reached the quarterfinals at Tokyo 2020 and here (Paris) he made the final which is a very good achievement.
"Going into the final 100 metres of the race, Shah had convincing pace and was on track to winning at least a silver.
"There was, however, an incident at the final turn which caused him to crash.
"It was nevertheless a performance which we should all be proud of. I hope Shah will continue to work hard and improve his performances to continue doing well at the international level.
"It is important for him to use the next four years as best as possible to prepare himself for Los Angeles 2028. It may seem early (to start preparations) but that is the reality of it when you are competing at the highest level.
"I believe Shah will be much better and will achieve greater success at LA2028. Baton has been passed, off to you my brother."
Azizulhasni has for a while said that he would retire from the national team after the Paris Olympics though would consider racing in Japan's domestic championships.
His campaign in the men's keirin came to an early end after he was disqualified in the opening round after passing the derny before it left the track.
Azizulhasni, Shah, Izzah Izzati Asri and national head coach John Beasley are expected to return to Malaysia from Paris tomorrow.