Azizulhasni Awang’s enduring competitive edge and mental resilience position him as a strong contender for the gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, according to his former teammate Josiah Ng. Despite turning 40 by the time of the Games, Josiah emphasized that age should not be viewed as a barrier for the Malaysian track cyclist.

Josiah, who made history as Malaysia’s first track cyclist to reach the Olympic keirin final at the 2004 Athens Games, highlighted Azizulhasni’s recent performances as evidence of his continued elite form. "Azizul is demonstrating that he can still compete with the world’s best and has the mental strength necessary to achieve the pinnacle of his career," Josiah said. He added that while Azizul may not exhibit his peak physical power at 38, his mental approach to racing has improved significantly in recent seasons.

The former Olympian suggested that a marginal enhancement in Azizulhasni’s performance could be enough for him to secure Olympic gold. "He only needs to improve by about one percent," Josiah noted, urging Malaysians to focus on Azizul’s current capabilities rather than his age. He also pointed to Azizulhasni’s relatively smaller physique compared to his European counterparts, which he believes aids in faster recovery and sustained competitiveness over time. Additionally, Josiah praised Azizul’s disciplined approach to body care and nutrition.

Azizulhasni, known for his shift towards strategic rather than purely aggressive racing tactics in the keirin event, has had a remarkable 2026 season. He has reached the podium in every major competition he entered, including winning the overall World Cup keirin title after victories in Perth and Nilai. These wins included overcoming top competitors such as Britain’s Matthew Richardson and the Netherlands’ Harrie Lavreysen.

Throughout his career, Azizulhasni has accumulated seven World Championship medals, including a gold at the 2017 event in Hong Kong. Most recently, he secured the keirin title at the Commonwealth Games, a significant achievement that had previously eluded him.

With a combination of experience, strategic racing, and steadfast determination, Azizulhasni Awang remains a leading figure in track cycling and a key prospect for Malaysia’s first Olympic cycling gold medal in Los Angeles.