Azizulhasni aims for gold at 2020 Tokyo Olympics

SEPANG: National cyclist Mohd Azizulhasni Awang aims to bag the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics following his recent victory in the keirin event at the 2017 Track Cycling World Championships recently.
In a simple ceremony, the 29-year-old's achievement was feted by low-cost carrier AirAsia in conjunction with the launch of its 2017 sports initiative #DARETODREAM.
In thanking AirAsia for its continuous sponsorship and support for the past four years, Mohd Azizulhasni expressed his happiness at being part of the airline's initiative.
"I started my cycling career with a dream and last Thursday, my dream to be a world champion became a reality.
"I have one more dream on the list which is the Olympic gold and with the added support by AirAsia through this initiative, it will hopefully improve my performance and chances," he told reporters at the AirAsia RedQ, here, today.
The Terengganu lad nick-named "Pocket Rocketman" also hinted that he will be competing for only one event at the upcoming SEA Games at the capital in August.
"I should be taking part in the keirin event which is the event that I had won the world championship.
"This is will be the chance for me to perform in front of fellow Malaysians on home soil and on the new National Velodrome in Nilai," he said adding that he is looking forward to testing out the track soon.
Meanwhile AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar said the #DARETODREAM platform will enable the airline to inspire and fulfil the dreams of up-and-coming-athletes to discover their potential.
"We are pleased to work with a number of renowned athletes in our #DARETODREAM programme, where our efforts will not only focus on the young, aspiring local talents but also expand it to the Asean level as the region is home to an abundance of talent," she said.
The three national athletes under AirAsia athletes line-up are Mohd Azizulhasni, track cyclist Fatehah Mustapa and diver Leong Mun Yee.
Under the #DARETODREAM sports initiative, the airline has organised annual Talent Pool coaching clinics with British Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, working with promising bobybuilder Faiz Ariffin and go-kart driver Muizuddin Musyaffa.
AirAsia Malaysia has also sponsored the Malaysian Rugby League and AirAsia KL Junior League for youth football.