Tokyo, Japan, August 8, 2021: Malaysian track cyclist Mohd Azizulhasni Awang ended the Olympic Games on a high note on Sunday by winning silver in the men’s keirin final at Izu Velodrome.
The Malaysian ace, who was the bronze medallist at Rio 2016, finished an impressive second to Great Britain’s Jason Kenny, who became the first Briton to win seven Olympic gold medals in any sport. Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands took bronze.
The Australia-based Malaysian, 33, was competing in his fourth consecutive Olympics since Beijing 2008 and won his second medal in the six-man final.
Nicknamed “Pocket Rocketman”, Azizulhasni Awang certainly lifted the spirits of the Malaysian camp as they had won only one bronze medal – in badminton men’s doubles – up until the last morning of the Games.
Badminton legend Lee Chong Wei posted: “Congrats my brother – Datuk Azizulhasni Awang. All Malaysia was nervous watching your race. You got the silver medal – and we are proud to see the flag flying.
“Thank you for uniting us. You already have bronze and silver medals. I believe gold is within your grasp at Paris 2024.”
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin, said: “Well done The Pocket Rocketman! This success certainly adds joy to the country before the curtain falls on this famous sports event.
“All Malaysians must be very proud of your enthusiasm and for not giving up easily. Thank you for all your sacrifices for the nation.”
