Azizulhasni sounds alarm over future of Malaysian cycling if Beasley exits
Azizulhasni shared that among the frustrations faced by Beasley were instances where carefully planned programmes and tactical plans were reportedly ignored or met with resistance by certain parties.
KUALA LUMPUR - National track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang has voiced concern over the future of Malaysia’s cycling programme should technical director John Beasley decide to leave his post.
Azizulhasni raised this issue amid reports that Beasley is expected to step down at the end of the year, despite his contract running until Jan 31 next year, reportedly due to frustration over internal politics, bureaucratic issues and a lack of grassroots infrastructure in Malaysian cycling.
"Who do we have who has the credentials and ability to replace him (Beasley)? It’s not that I don’t trust our local talent, but we have to be honest and admit none of us has reached his (Beasley’s) level,” he said.
Azizulhasni said Beasley is more than just a coach, describing him as a mentor who plays a major role in shaping athletes both on and off the track.
"I am very sensitive when talking about Beasley because he is a mentor to all of us. He is not your typical coach, his approach goes beyond track performance. He is concerned about the welfare of athletes, as if we are his family,” he told Bernama after receiving the "Kita Bagi Jadi Hero" award from CIMB Group Holdings Berhad.
Azizulhasni shared that among the frustrations faced by Beasley were instances where carefully planned programmes and tactical plans were reportedly ignored or met with resistance by certain parties.
"As someone on the inside, I know how hard he works. Even on his days off, he continues to draw up training programmes. But he is disappointed when his plans are implemented or are opposed by certain parties,” he said.
Commenting on the clash of dates between the Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and the UCI Junior Track World Championships, Azizulhasni said the decision not to release young elite riders for international competition should be reviewed for the sake of their career development.
The Malaysia Games will be held from Aug 15-24, while the Junior Track World Championships is slated to be held in Limburg, Belgium, from Aug 19-23.
He urged all parties, including the National Sports Council (NSC) to sit down and find a solution for the future of the next generation of Malaysian cyclists.
"Communication is very important so that schedules do not clash. We don’t want to point fingers, but want to find the best solution. If we continue to be bogged down by such internal issues, other countries will overtake us,” he warned.
Meanwhile, CIMB today launched a new campaign, with the tagline: ‘Moving You Forward’, as part of its efforts to strengthen its commitment to empowering customers, businesses and communities across the ASEAN region. - BERNAMA
TAGS: cycling, Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, John Beasley, CIMB, award
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