AS Malaysia celebrated Merdeka Day yesterday, cycling star Azizulhasni Awang took a moment to reflect and remind Malaysians the importance of national unity and the special role that sport plays in bringing the nation together.
Azizul, who was the world keirin champion in 2017 and Olympic bronze medallist in 2016, said Merdeka Day means a lot to him as a national athlete.
For it was during the month of Merdeka in the past that the Pocket Rocketman gifted the nation with some remarkable achievements.
"Merdeka Day is very special to me. Winning the nation's fifth gold medal at the Palembang Asian Games (August 2018) and winning Malaysia's 111th gold medal while wearing the rainbow jersey at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (August 2017) is still fresh in my memory," said Azizulhasni in a social media posting yesterday.
"Joining my fellow athletes in the national day parade in the past was also an experience that I will never forget.
"When I was a young boy, I was only able to watch the parade on television but actually being at Dataran Merdeka and seeing all the other contingents with so many excited people there, was a priceless experience.
"My fellow athletes and I were very proud of our (sports) contingent (during parade) because we are the definition of a multi-cultural society comprising many different races and religions.
"It is undeniable that sport is among the important mechanisms which can help to foster togetherness.
"So in conjunction with Merdeka Day this year, I would like to urge all Malaysians to strengthen the ties and unity that we have enjoyed for so long in the past.
"Let's come together to make Malaysia a harmonious and peaceful country," he said.
While Azizul has been based together with the national elite squad in Melbourne since 2007, his patriotism remains as strong as ever as he closely follows developments in Malaysia.
The 32-year-old from Dungun will be on a mission to win Malaysia's first Olympics gold medal at next year's Tokyo Games.