SEPANG: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang said he needs time to think about his future after being asked to reconsider his plans to retire from the national team.
A teary-eyed Azizulhasni said he has been asked to continue racing until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by his team members.
The 36-year-old has long said that he wants to retire after the Paris Olympics and allow the next generation of riders to take over.
The national track cycling squad returned to Malaysia from Paris today.
"A few days after the (keirin) race, John Beasley (coach) and my team did tell me that they hope I can continue until LA2028," said Azizulhasni in a press conference at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.
"I just need time to sit down with my family and clear my mind after what happened in Paris. I have yet to fully absorb what happened.
"My family had told me to stop after my heart surgery two years ago. I promised my mum, my wife and my kids I would just go on for one more Olympics. I wanted to do it for the country.
"It is not easy, I had always put sports first before my family and my kids are growing up now."
Azizulhasni's keirin campaign in Paris came to an early end after he was disqualified in his opening round heat for overtaking the derny before it left the track.
It was a massive blow to the nation's medal hopes as Azizulhasni had been earmarked as a potential gold medallist in the event.
Azizulhasni had undergone open heart surgery to correct a coronary artery anomaly in April 2022.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the Road to Gold (RTG) programme will continue to support Azizulhasni if he decides to keep on racing for the country.
"I have spoken to Azizulhasni about this and I have asked him to discuss with his family first," said Yeoh at the same press conference.
"RTG will continue to support him as long as he wants to race and he is still physically able to do so."
RTG is an elite athlete preparation programme intended to provide cream-of-the-crop athletes the additional support they need to challenge for gold in Paris, LA2028 and other major international competitions.