KUALA LUMPUR: Cycling legend Datuk Azizulhasni Awang has until the end of this month to confirm with the National Sports Council (NSC) whether he wants to continue as a national rider.
Dec 31 is the deadline, and the NSC has asked the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) to speak with the Pocket Rocketman on the matter.
NSC deputy director-general (sports development) Jefri Ngadirin said if the former keirin world champion wants to continue representing Malaysia, he needs to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which were set in a working committee meeting yesterday.
"He needs to qualify for the world championships, either in the team sprint, or one of the individual events, sprint or keirin. If he agrees to the KPIs, we will offer him a Podium (Programme) contract.
"We believe that the KPIs are achievable, and if Azizulhasni can still compete at the highest level, we hope he will accept the terms set," Jefri said at the launch of the Jelajah Juara Esports League in Bukit Jalil today.
"We will offer the (Podium) contracts on Jan 1, so MNCF will contact Azizulhasni soon to get his final word."
Timesport reported yesterday the MNCF believes that the two-time Olympic medallist can still play an important role in the national team, albeit on a reduced schedule.
Previously, Azizulhasni, 36, said that he plans to retire after the Paris Olympics and focus on his studies at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.