Malaysian cycling star Azizulhasni Awang believes that there are four potential names who could inspire the country to greater heights in track cycling.
Azizul and Shah Firdaus have now been joined by three additional names in Melbourne – Muhammad Khairil Nizam Rasol, Muhammad Fadil Mohd Zonis and Mohamad Shariz Efendi Mohd Shahrin. All of them will be under the tutelage of John Beasley, who has been tasked with grooming the next ‘Pocket Rocketman’ of the country.
And according to the Keirin World Champion, these individuals have what it takes to outdo his record on the international stage.
“To me, the new list of cyclists, including Shah Firdaus, have huge amounts of potential. It’s just about time and exposure for the time being,” he was quoted as saying by Harian Metro.
“Even in my case, it took a lot of time to get to where I am because there are no shortcuts in sports. Also, I’m not sure how long more I can go in the sport. Maybe I have one or two more Olympic games participation in me.
“I try to also share my knowledge and experience with them, be it directly or indirectly. It really is up to them as to how they want to use it and carry it in themselves.
“I just hope they can go further than I’ve done because they have better physical traits than me. If I could do it, why can’t they. They probably just need two or three more years to start hitting the podium on international tournaments,” he added.
The national cycling squad is currently preparing for the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur this August, where Azizulhasni is the overwhelming favourite to win gold in the Keirin event.
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