HANGZHOU: A new hairstyle and a new responsibility.
Track cyclist Shah Firdaus Sahrom is is ready to fill in for Azizulhasni Awang who has withdrawn from the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Malaysians hope the Commonwealth Games silver medallist can continue the Pocket Rocketman's momentum.
Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said he can feel Shah's confidence and his selection as Malaysia's flag-bearer for today's opening ceremony is another tonic for him.
"I see that Shah is ready to step out from Azizul's shadow and take responsibility," said Norza.
"Shah had told me that he's ready to replace Azizul in the keirin and is confident of giving a fight to anyone.
"He wants to shine for the country and I like his spirit. For me, he looks like he has the attitude like Azizul."
Norza said he is confident that the national track team are ready to deliver after Azizul pulled out from the Asiad following a crash in training , last week.
At the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, Azizul won a gold medal in the sprint, silver in the team sprint and bronze in the keirin.