NSI will continue to power Pocket Rocketman
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pocket Rocketman will continue to be "fuelled" by the National Sports Institute (NSI).
Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, who is now a professional track cyclist, will receive financial backing from NSI when representing Malaysia at major multi-sport events.
NSI chief executive officer Dr P. Vellapandian said that the 2017 keirin world champion remains eligible for support from NSI though he is no longer part of the national programme.
"We will continue to support Azizulhasni as a professional rider, but there are a few considerations," said Vellapandian today.
"He will receive the same level of support he had as a national team member only when he represents Malaysia at major multi-sport events, such as the Asian Games.
"If he competes in tournaments outside the National Sports Council's (NSC) programme, we will discuss with national cycling technical director, John Beasley, and Azizulhasni himself to assess his requirements.
"We will not deny him assistance simply because he has turned professional. Our support will depend on the feedback we receive from them."
Azizulhasni, 37, had planned to retire from track cycling following the Paris Olympics. However, his failure to win gold after being disqualified in the first round for overtaking the derny reignited his ambition to continue racing.
Last month, he announced that he would train and compete independently as a professional cyclist.
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