IPOH: Distance has not proven to be a hindrance for the family of Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, to extend their full support for the cyclist during the Rio Olympics men’s keirin event tonight.
His family members, all donning ‘Team Azizul’ T-shirts, cheered themselves hoarse as the live television broadcast showed Azizulhasni going out to the track for his first heat at the Rio Olympic Velodrome.
His father-in-law, Datuk Abd Samad Sabri, 68, even led a doa before the game to seek blessing for Azizul.
His wife Athiah Ilyana Abdul Samat, 30, said Azizulhasni was determined to bring back a medal for the country in this year's Olympic Games.
“I rang him up before he went to the venue and told him to give his very best.
“He sounded very calm and told me to pray for his success,” she said when met at her house here tonight.
She said Azizulhasni was a little bit worried before the game, as their three-year-old daughter Amna Mariyam was admitted to hospital last week due to a viral fever.
“He was very sad and wept as he could not be there for our daughter. I told him not to worry and to focus on the competition,” said the mother of two.
His mother, Selamiah Yong, 52, said she travelled from Dungun, Terengganu to be together with her daughter-in-law and support his son.
“He is always committed to cycling. I hope he can win and bring back a medal for Malaysia," she said.
Azizulhasni, known as ‘The Pocket Rocketman’ for his lightning fast pace and diminutive build, has advanced to the men’s keirin second round after winning the first round repechage.