Malaysia’s hope of seeing Malaysian athletes stepping onto the Tokyo 2020 Olympic podium were once again fulfilled after Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang pocketed a silver medal in the men’s keirin final event on Sunday (8th August). He started the rhythm well and excelled in the quarter-finals and semi-finals which ultimately led him to the final event in style.
However, an early sprint by defending champion Jason Kenny from Great Britain prevented our national cyclist from bringing home the desired gold medal despite his outstanding performance. The Tokyo Olympic 2020 keirin event has presented Jason Kenny of Great Britain with a gold medal, a silver medal for Malaysia through Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang, and a bronze medal for Dutchman Harrie Lavreysen.
Despite the failure of achieving gold in the final, the 33-year-old national cyclist is still able to bring joy to Malaysians on his success. The media interview session with the Tokyo Olympic winner was very moving when Azizulhasni shed tears while commenting on his family members and fellow Malaysians.
According to him, his children often called to ask when he will return home to his family. He also informed that his father was in poor health and he had not had the opportunity to meet him. Azizulhasni shared that the sacrifices was done for the sake of his family members and beloved country.
What was even more touching was when the reporter in charge of interviewing Dato’ Azizulhasni surprised him with the news of his expecting wife who is currently pregnant with their third child. Azizulhasni continued to express his gratitude and fell down to his knees prostrating after receiving the happy news.
Saat Datuk @azizulAWANG menerima perkhabaran gembira dari @bazlyazmi. Masuk habuk pula mata ni.#SokongMalaysia #GanbatteMalaysia pic.twitter.com/7jh5nJp8sn
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) August 8, 2021
His wife, Datin Athiah Ilyana has also taken to her Instagram to express her gratitude and joy over the commendable achievement of her husband during the Tokyo Olympic 2020 event. In Athiah’s lengthy post on Instagram, she admitted that it is not easy for her to go through the first trimester of pregnancy without her husband.
However, she has been persevering through in order to ease her husband, while he competed internationally for the country. She also thanked everyone who helped out when she was unwell and to those who worked hard in her husband’s team.
Well done and congratulations to Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang for this victory and to the newest addition in the family.
Source: OhMyMedia
