AZIZUL’S MERDEKA GIFT

Pocket Rocketman wins sprint as a perfect birthday present to Malaysia

TRACK cyclist Azizulhasni Awang dedicated his individual sprints Asian Games gold yesterday as an early present to Malaysia’s 61st birthday today.

The Pocket Rocketman made sure the gold belonged to him when he swept aside Japan's Tomohiro Fukaya in a two-set final at the Jakarta Velodrome.

"For sure, it's a present for Merdeka tomorrow (today). Thank you to all those who always support and pray for my success. Selamat Hari Merdeka Malaysia,” he said.

Azizul said even though he won in two sets, the win was not as easy as it looked.

"There were many tricks and planning involved in this race. In the first race, I gave my all for victory and in the second race, it became much easier as I broke his will to fight.”

Azizul admitted that the challenge was much more intense in the morning, when he was up against the fastest qualifier Im Chaebin from South Korea.

"All I want to do right now is go back to the hotel and have a good rest before competing in the keirin tomorrow. I will be my usual self, and respect all the other riders in the next race,” added Azizul who won Malaysia's fifth gold medal at the ongoing Asiad.

It was also his first sprints gold medal at the Asian Games.

Shah Firdaus Sahrom gave a good fight before bowing out to Chaebin 1-2 in the bronze challenge.