Rio 2016: 'Thank you, Terengganu MB, for not helping us in our time of need' - Azizulhasni
Astro Awani
August 17, 2016 17:36 MYT
August 17, 2016 17:36 MYT
Azizulhasni poses on the podium with a flag after the Men's Keirin finals track cycling event at the Velodrome during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug 16, 2016. - AFP Photo
Despite his elation of winning an Olympic medal for his nation, national elite rider Azizulhasni Awang could not contain his disappointment with some quarters whom he felt ignored by in his quest for victory.
The Olympic bronze medal winner today took a jibe at Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman for allegedly not supporting him in his preparations for the Rio Olympics.
In a Facebook posting today, Azizulhasni said he had submitted a proposal to the MB’s office, a year before the Rio Olympics, asking for the state to sponsor him and fellow cyclist Fatehah Mustapa a road bike for their training.
Azizulhasni claimed that Ahmad Razif did not even bother to reply or give any feedback when his manager contacted the MB for the request.
“For your knowledge, Datuk MB, Fatehah and I who are world-class athletes, are often overlooked by you. Maybe it is because we train overseas. Perhaps Datuk MB can take this as something positive, and hopefully it can open your eyes and the eyes of others who are supposed to play their roles. Regardless what happens, we are still proud to be Terengganu natives. ‘Ganu Sokmo Bohh’ (Terengganu forever, boss),” Azizulhasni wrote in his post.
In the same post, the three-time Olympic participant also noted his appreciation to numerous people including his family, fellow athletes, his coaches and everyone who contributed to his and his team’s success.
He wrote the post shortly after he won a bronze medal for Malaysia in the Keirin event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the end of his writing, he noted it to be around 3am local time (4pm Malaysian time).
In the dramatic final round of the Keirin event, the eight-lap race had to be restarted twice after technical infringement by the riders and in the third start, Azizulhasni pipped world champion, Joachim Eilers from Germany to finish third.
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.