SEPANG: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, known as Pocket Rocketman, came home to a hero's welcome at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from his 2017 International Cycling Union Track Cycling World Championships in Hong Kong last Thursday.
Hundreds of fans, who had been patiently waiting for him since 7pm, gave Azizulhasni a rousing welcome upon his arrival at 8.15pm.
Thanking Malaysians for the support, Azizulhasni said he is ready to defend the rainbow jersey he won at the championship before setting off for his ultimate goal, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
"It is less pressure on me after this win because now the emphasis will be on the others."
"I can focus on the buildup for the ultimate target of winning gold at the 2020 Olympics."
The 29-year-old said he is going to use the World Championships win as an indicator and will start focusing on the 2018 Commonwealth Games as well as maintaining the aspirations to compete in this year's Sea Games.
"It is a change in terms of my performance. It is going to new heights and John (Beasley) is happy."
In August's Sea Games, Azizul was initially slated to compete in two events but he said he will leave it to the coaches to decide.
"I leave it up to the coaches because I've won the World Championships and to compete in just one event will be enough just so the crowd in Malaysia can watch me in action."
"I hope I get to perform though because it will be my first Sea Games in Malaysia," he said.
On being the first to test out the new National Velodrome in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, Azizul said he has been waiting for such opportunity.
"It is 100 per cent ready and I'm going to push to try either tomorrow (today) or whenever I can, I've been waiting for it."
Azizulhasni said Canadian national cycling team is also showing interest to hold a training camp right here in Malaysia following news of the National Velodrome.
"I've had a lot of my cycling friends asking me about the velodrome."
"Even the Canadian team is interested in holding their training camp in Malaysia and it is an honour."
Azizulhasni also said that he had received inquiries from international teams and riders regarding the new velodrome.
"It is a world-class facility and if there's a possibility of holding an Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) status event, why not?" he said.