GLASGOW, Aug 1 — National track cycling icon Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang described his men’s keirin gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the perfect ending to his Commonwealth Games journey, saying his heartfelt prayers had finally been answered.
The 38-year-old, fondly known as The Pocket Rocketman, captured his first-ever Commonwealth Games gold at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, ending years of heartbreak after previously winning two bronze medals and controversially losing a gold at the 2010 New Delhi Games.
Clearly emotional after the race, Azizulhasni said the triumph carried special meaning as he had hoped to conclude his Commonwealth Games career on the highest note.
“I prayed every day for this moment. I asked Allah to grant me a gold medal so I could end my Commonwealth Games journey as a champion. Alhamdulillah, my prayers were answered,” he said after the race.
The victory also proved that age is no barrier, with Azizulhasni becoming champion at 38 despite competing against a younger field of world-class riders.
In the final, the Malaysian veteran executed a composed tactical race to edge Australia’s Leigh Hoffman for the gold, while England’s Harry Ledingham-Horn settled for bronze. Fellow Malaysian Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom finished seventh.
Azizulhasni credited patience, experience and race strategy for his success, saying he waited for the right opportunity before making his decisive move into the opening corner and maintaining control until the finish.
The gold medal was Malaysia’s seventh at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the national track cycling team’s first title of the competition.
–Bernama
