KUALA LUMPUR: Track cycling technical director John Beasley believes it would be good if former world champion Azizulhasni Awang decides to continue as a national cyclist next year.
The two-time Olympic medallist has until Dec 31 to inform the National Sports Council (NSC) of his decision.
Before the Paris Olympics, Azizulhasni, who turns 37 next month, indicated plans to retire after the Games to focus on his studies in Melbourne.
If the cyclist, fondly known as the Pocket Rocketman, opts to continue, his key performance indicator (KPI) will be to qualify for the World Championships in Chile, scheduled for Oct 15-19.
Beasley said Azizulhasni would need to take things one year at a time if he returns to the national team.
"I think it's a really good thing. We all have a feeling that he probably would, but we just need to give him time to calm down, reevaluate, and move forward," said the Australian coach.
"If he returns, he will take it one year at a time.
"And if he can sustain his form and perform well at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, we could consider targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but it's one step at a time."
Azizulhasni is currently on an extended break after the Paris Olympics in August, where his campaign ended on a disappointing note following his disqualification from the keirin — his pet event.