National Cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Breaks Personal Record in 2023 ACC

BY: Michelle Liew

National cycling champion Datuk Azizulhasni Awang is on his way to rake the gold medal in the men's elite individual sprint event at the 2023 Asian Track Cycling Championship (ACC) at the National Velodrome, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

After his last gold medal at the 2020 edition in Jincheon, South Korea, Azizulhasni now only has to overcome two more hurdles to set foot on the 'champion's' podium.

Azizulhasni is gearing up for champion after recording a time of 9.523 seconds (s) to occupy the first place in the qualifying stage to overcome 22 other challengers.

Even better, The Pocket Rocketman's record managed to surpass the national record of 9.548s which he had set at the 2020 World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

"During the qualifying competition, I went down as the second last rider and was really surprised when I saw the records of other riders (in the range of) 9.6s (and) 9.7s.

“My main focus was being in the top three. I was in my own world before starting the race," he told reporters.

In the quarterfinals, Azizulhasni who has recorded 10 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze medals at the ACC stage had no problem overcoming the Taiwanese rider, Kang Shih Feng 2-0.

"I was surprised by the 9.5s record but still happy. In the quarter finals. I hope to repeat the effort for the semi-finals tomorrow.”