Pocket Rocketman ends 2020 in style

KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling ace Mohd Azizulhasni Awang wrapped up the 2020 season in style when he clinched the men's keirin gold medal in the 2020 Australia Track National Championship in Brisbane today.

His compatriot Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom took the bronze while Australian rider Matthew Glaetzer won the silver in the event held at the Anna Meares Velodrome.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, in a posting on his official Facebook page, congratulated the two riders for their success.

"Congratulations to the two national athletes. Despite his long break from competition, Azizulhasni today again emerged champion in an international meet. It's yet another success which Malaysians can be proud of.

"I believe it will motivate all national athletes to strive harder to do well in international meets," he said.

SPORTS-CYCLING (AZIZULHASNI) 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR

According to the Malaysia Track Cycling official Facebook page, Mohd Azizulhasni and Muhammad Shah Firdaus also took part in the men's sprint event and settled for fourth and fifth places respectively.

Mohd Azizulhasni and Muhammad Shah Firdaus, who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in July next year, were the only two Malaysian representatives in the three-day championship which began on Dec 18.

The two are among the national elite squad members now based in Melbourne, Australia.

Last February, Mohd Azizulhasni won the men's keirin bronze medal in the Track Cycling World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

-- BERNAMA