Azizul decides to pursue degree in sports management

By LIM TEIK HUAT

PETALING JAYA: Winning a World Championships medal in Poland last month may have earned track cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang fame and fortune.

But without education, Azizul knows that his life is not complete yet.

So, the 21-year-old is ready to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in sports management.

Azizul will start attending classes at the Deakin University in Melbourne next month. This will also allow him to continue training with the rest of the elite track squad based there under coach John Beasley.

“I applied to join the university through the normal channel like everyone else. Coach Beasley also encouraged me to go for it and the university was quick to accept me,” said Azizul after meeting Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek at his office yesterday.

“My training base in Melbourne (Joe Chiabola velodrome) is about 30 minutes away by car. I don’t think there will be any problem allocating time for training.”

Azizul, who only completed secondary school education in Dungun, Terengganu, will return to Melbourne early next month after enjoying a month-long break following his exploits at the World Championships in Poland last month.

Azizul was on the verge of creating the biggest upset in World Championships cycling when he made it all the way to the sprint final before losing to Frenchman Gregory Bauge in three heats.

The double Asian champion in keirin and overall UCI Track World Cup winner said he decided to further his studies after considering what he would do once his track exploits came to an end.

“At least, I will have a proper education to fall back on when my career is over. I also want to be an example to other young people my age,”said Azizul.

Azizul also need not worry about finance as the National Sports Council (NSC) have agreed to pay for his studies.

Azizul first served notice of his immense potential on the world stage last year when he emerged as the only Asian to reach the quarter-finals in the Beijing Olympics, losing to eventual winner Sir Chris Hoy of Britain.