Azizulhasni Awang Targets Final Commonwealth Keirin Crown in Glasgow

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Malaysian track cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang will launch his final Commonwealth Games campaign with the men’s keirin crown firmly in his sights.

The veteran cyclist, widely known as “The Pocket Rocketman,” is expected to make the keirin his main priority as he seeks a memorable conclusion to his long and decorated Commonwealth Games journey.

Despite achieving major success at the Olympic Games, World Championships and Asian Games, Azizulhasni has yet to win an individual Commonwealth gold medal. His best result in the keirin came at the 2014 Glasgow Games, where he claimed bronze at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

His return to the same venue provides an opportunity to complete unfinished business in what is expected to be his final appearance at the Commonwealth Games.

Azizulhasni is scheduled to compete in the keirin, individual sprint and the men’s one-kilometre time trial during the Glasgow campaign. His keirin challenge will begin on July 31, followed by the individual sprint and time trial events.

Technical director John Beasley confirmed that the Malaysian camp is placing its strongest emphasis on the keirin, describing the event as Azizulhasni’s main focus in Glasgow.

The former world keirin champion has arrived in competitive condition after rebuilding his form following a difficult period in his career. He previously postponed his retirement plans and committed himself to returning to elite competition after his disappointing exit from the Paris Olympics.

Azizulhasni’s experience and ability to produce strong performances under pressure are expected to make him one of Malaysia’s leading medal prospects.

His inclusion in the one-kilometre time trial also provides an additional opportunity to reach the podium. The experienced rider won the event at the recent National Championships in Nilai after recording a time of one minute and 1.134 seconds, despite admitting that he had not reached peak condition.

However, his performance in the time trial may depend on how far he progresses in the individual sprint, as the demanding competition schedule could affect his recovery and energy levels.

Azizulhasni did not compete at the previous Commonwealth Games in Birmingham because he was still recovering from open-heart surgery to correct a congenital coronary artery condition.

His return to the Commonwealth stage therefore marks another significant chapter in a career defined by resilience, longevity and repeated comebacks from serious setbacks.

The Malaysian cyclist is already a two-time Olympic medallist, having won bronze in the keirin at Rio 2016 before upgrading to silver at the Tokyo Olympics. He also became world keirin champion in 2017.