A reward from state government for Azizulhasni - MB

Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman congratulated national elite cyclist Azizulhasni Awang for winning a bronze medal in the keirin event at the Rio Olympics Games here on Tuesday.

He said it was something to be proud off and a meaningful one for Terengganu as Ahmad, who is from Dungun, was able to compete with other world champions.

"The first medal (for Malaysia) for a cycling event in the Olympics will always be in history and I am confident Azizulhasni's success will be an inspiration to future cyclists," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.

The state government, he said, would reward Azizulhasni as an incentive for winning the medal to inspire others.

"Thank you Azizulhasni, who never tires in carrying the Malaysia spirit to the world stage. Thank you also to all the coaches and their families. The Terengganu people are proud with the Pocket Rocket Man!," he added.

The 28-year-old Melbourne-based rider crossed the finishing line for the bronze behind defending champion Jason Kenny from Britain and Dutchman Matthijs Buchli.

Azizulhasni, who was earmarked as gold medal prospects, won the Olympic medal in his third attempt after failing to qualify for the finals in the 2008 Beijing Games and sixth placing at the 2012 London Games.

He is the first cyclist for Malaysia to win a medal in the Olympics.

Azizulhasni's bronze medal feat is the second medal for the country after diving pair, Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong contributed a silver in the synchronised 10m platform last Tuesday.