Sports Ministry Confident Azizulhasni Can Pursue Gold at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 1 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) remains confident that national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang possesses the capability and track record required to pursue Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated today that the ministry’s stance aligns directly with the objectives of the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, which was established to support high-potential athletes aiming for Olympic glory. Speaking at a press conference following a National Sports Council (MSN) briefing on the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and LA28 qualification pathways, Taufiq emphasized that the decision to support the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist is grounded in empirical data and performance metrics.

“What is important is, first, have confidence. Second, that confidence must come with comprehensive implementation and performance,” Taufiq said, adding that while expectations are high for Azizulhasni, equal support and hopes are extended to all athletes within the RTG scheme.

The minister confirmed that the 38-year-old former world champion—who recently won keirin gold at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games—officially accepted an offer yesterday to continue serving with the national squad towards LA28. The MSN Board formally approved his campaign extension during a meeting on Aug 13, issuing the official offer letter two days ago prior to receiving Azizulhasni’s confirmation.

Azizulhasni, who secured a keirin bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics and a silver at Tokyo 2020, continues his campaign for a career-first Olympic gold medal. His campaign at the Paris 2024 Games was cut short in the first round following a disqualification for overtaking the derny before it left the track at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome.

–NMT