GLASGOW, July 31 — National track cycling ace Azizulhasni Awang captured the men’s keirin gold medal at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome tonight in his final appearance at the Commonwealth Games.
The historic victory ended a long wait for the 38-year-old, nicknamed the “Pocket Rocketman”, to become a Commonwealth Games champion after previously managing only two bronze medals. He was famously denied a gold medal at the New Delhi 2010 Games when his initial victory was overturned.
Fighting back tears, Azizulhasni said the gold was particularly special as he plans to conclude his career on the Commonwealth Games stage after this edition finishes.
“I prayed so hard every day. I really wanted to end my career with a gold medal. Alhamdulillah, Allah granted my prayers,” he told Bernama.
“My last Commonwealth Games, winning gold … nothing more I can ask. I wanted to prove to myself and to the world that I can still win at 38 years old,” he added.
Australian rider Leigh Hoffman took the silver medal, while England’s Harry Ledingham-Horn claimed the bronze. Fellow Malaysian rider Shah Firdaus Sahrom finished seventh overall.
With Azizulhasni’s triumph, Malaysia has now captured seven gold medals at the Glasgow Games.
–NMT
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