Cover Earlier today cyclist Azizulhasni Awang was disqualified from the first heat of the men’s keirin event (Photo: Getty Images)
Earlier today cyclist Azizulhasni Awang was disqualified from the first heat of the men’s keirin event (Photo: Getty Images)
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In a surprising turn of events, Malaysia’s cycling hero, Azizulhasni Awang, was disqualified from the men’s keirin event at the Paris Olympics, leaving the nation’s gold medal hopes in jeopardy
Malaysia’s quest for its first Olympic gold endures as national track cycling champion Azizulhasni Awang faced a disheartening setback at the Paris Olympics today. The 36-year-old, affectionately known as ‘The Pocket Rocketman’, was disqualified from the first heat of the men’s keirin event for overtaking the derny before it exited the track.
This disqualification allowed Australia’s Matthew Glaetzer and the Netherlands’ Jeffrey Hoogland to advance to the quarterfinals, having secured the top positions in the heat.
National track cycling coach John Beasley acknowledged the rule’s clarity and confirmed there was no avenue for appeal.
Read more: Paris 2024: Azizulhasni Awang sets new national record
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh shared her sentiments on Instagram, expressing her disappointment over the decision.
However, she emphasised that her primary concern is Azizulhasni’s wellbeing, acknowledging his immense dedication and professionalism in his Olympic journey.
She urged the public to be kind to him and his team during this trying time, highlighting his sacrifices, including time away from his family.
See also: Malaysian cyclist Azizulhasni Awang defies a medical heart condition to win gold in Australia
Above Azizulhasni and National track cycling coach John Beasley (Photo: Instagram/@olympicmas)
Azizulhasni and National track cycling coach John Beasley (Photo: Instagram/@olympicmas)
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Malaysia’s Chef-de-Mission, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, expressed regret over the decision, noting that the contingent’s appeal against the disqualification was unsuccessful.
“The Chief Commissioner and the UCI (International Cycling Union) representative upheld the disqualification due to Azizulhasni’s premature overtaking of the derny,” he said.
“While the Malaysian contingent accepts this outcome with heavy hearts, we stand firmly behind Azizulhasni, offering our full moral support. The National Sports Institute (ISN) will also extend its support services to help him navigate this challenging moment.”
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With Azizulhasni’s exit, Malaysia’s hopes now rest on Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom, who still has an opportunity to advance in the competition through the repechage.
Shah Firdaus narrowly missed qualifying in his heat, finishing behind Poland’s Rudyk Mateusz and Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Paul. A technical infringement led to his relegation, meaning he must now secure a top-two finish in the repechage to progress to the quarterfinals.
Azizaulhasni’s illustrious career, which includes the 2017 keirin world championship and two Olympic medals—bronze in Rio 2016 and silver in Tokyo 2020—remains a source of immense pride for Malaysia. Despite today’s outcome, his legacy as the nation’s most decorated cyclist is firmly intact.
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
