Azizulhasni Awang's return to the track this season has been slightly delayed following his decision to skip the Asian Cycling Championships on Feb 23-27 in New Delhi.
The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist made this decision as his wife, Athiah Ilyana Abdul Samad, is pregnant with their third child.
National track cycling coach John Beasley confirmed the matter, adding that Azizulhasni's wife is in the third trimester of her pregnancy.
Azizulhasni's decision not to defend his Asian sprint title will give a chance to others to stamp their authority in the event. For the record, the Dungun-born has won 10 gold medals at the Asian Championships.
He had successfully defended his sprint title at the 2020 edition in South Korea.
"Azizulhasni wants to be around in Melbourne to take care of his wife as she is expecting their third child," said the Australian coach.
"I believe we are still going to put up a strong challenge for honours at the Asian Championships despite his absence."
"As for Azizulhasni, he will be around when we prepare for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this year. Both events are our priority."
The sprint race is now an open affair with Malaysia's Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Fadhil Zonis and India's Esow Alben being among the favourites. Alben, 20, is being groomed by India for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has won a total of four medals at the World Junior Championships, achieved at the 2018 and 2019 editions.
"We are not sure yet on who will turn up in New Delhi. It all depends on the situation on the ground (with the Omicron variant), but we hope Firdaus and Fadhil can make us proud," added Beasley.