KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill believes that track cyclist Izzah Izzati Asri has the talent to fill the void left by Azizulhasni Awang, though hinted that the latter could make at least one more appearance in national colours before he retires.
The Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president said he is confident that Izzah can follow in Azizulhasni's footsteps and become a world champion in the future.
Izzah, 21, achieved a commendable seventh place finish in the women's keirin at the World Championships in Denmark last week. It was only her second appearance at the world meet.
"I admit that when talk about the possibility of Azizulhasni retiring after the Paris Olympics surfaced I got a bit nervous," said Amarjit in a statement released today.
"We will really feel the void when Azizulhasni leaves.
"Azizulhasni has for a very long time done the nation proud at so many competitions including the World Championships, Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Sea Games. He even won the world title (keirin) in 2017.
"Azizulhasni is set to retire and as the chairman of the MNCF track committee, I am personally touched by this scenario. Who will replace him?
"We have all seen what Shah Firdaus Sahrom is capable of but when I saw Izzah finishing seventh in Ballerup (Denmark), I felt a sense of relief.
"I know that Izzah has the potential to achieve great success just like Azizulhasni. With the right training, guidance and support, I believe she will also become a world champion like him.
"They are both diminutive in stature and Izzah has also been called the Pocketrocket Woman, I hope this nickname inspires her.
"I will make sure Izzah receives all the support she needs, including financial assistance, to ensure her preparations for major competitions goes smoothly."
Izzah already has three Asian Championship gold medals to her name and is tipped to be a future star in the sport though will need time to develop her physique and racecraft to be able to challenge her bigger and stronger European rivals consistently.
Azizulhasni indicated that he had retired from the national team after the Paris Olympics in August but could go on to race in Japan's domestic series.
A number of parties, however, urged him to reconsider his decision to retire. The 36-year-old said he needed time to think it through.
The Asian Championships which is set to be held at the National Velodrome in Nilai in February could serve as the ideal platform for Azizulhasni to give his loyal fans one last show before he finally calls it a day.