National track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang fulfilled his dream of ending his final Commonwealth Games appearance with a gold medal after winning the men’s keirin event at Glasgow 2026 on Saturday.
The victory at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome marked a historic moment for the 38-year-old cyclist, who had waited years to claim a Commonwealth Games gold medal after previously settling for two bronze medals.
Azizulhasni’s earlier Commonwealth journey also included heartbreak at the 2010 New Delhi edition, where he was denied a gold medal after his victory was overturned.
Still overwhelmed with emotion after the race, the Terengganu-born cyclist said the triumph was even more meaningful as it came after months of prayers and determination throughout his time competing in Glasgow.
The rider, famously known as the ‘Pocket Rocketman’, said the gold medal was the perfect ending as he plans to conclude his Commonwealth Games career after this edition.
“I prayed to Allah every day and asked for a gold medal. I really wanted to end my career with a gold medal. Alhamdulillah, my prayers were answered,” he said after the final.
Azizulhasni said the achievement proved that he could still compete at the highest level despite being 38 years old, adding that the victory was something he wanted to prove to himself and the world.
In the final race, Azizulhasni displayed excellent tactical awareness to overcome Australia’s Leigh Hoffman, who took silver, while England’s Harry Ledingham-Horn secured bronze.
Another Malaysian rider, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, finished seventh in the event.
Azizulhasni explained that patience played a key role in his victory as he waited for the right opportunity before making his decisive move at the first corner and taking control of the race until the finish line.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist admitted he was surprised to defeat a strong field of competitors but credited his experience and tactical intelligence as the difference-maker.
“I believe in myself and my ability. In keirin, the most important thing is tactics. Today I proved to the world that I am a rider with strong tactical ability in this event,” he said.
The gold medal was Azizulhasni’s fourth Commonwealth Games appearance. Previously, he won bronze in the team sprint at the 2010 edition and another bronze in the keirin event at Glasgow 2014.
His latest achievement also delivered Malaysia’s seventh gold medal at Glasgow 2026 and became the first gold medal for the national track cycling squad at the Games.
