Cover image via AP Photo
Malaysians woke up to amazing news of national cyclist Azizulhasni Awang emerging as the bronze medallist in the keirin event at the Rio Olympic Games yesterday, 17 August
Image via AP Photo
Against all odds, Azizulhasni made history on the Rio Velodrome as the 28-year-old delivered Malaysia's first ever Olympic Games cycling medal after he finished third in the nail-biting men's Keirin final.
**"I gave it my best and I dedicate the bronze to all Malaysians. They have supported me since I was young and I hope I have repaid their faith in me,"** Azizulhasni was quoted as saying by [NST Online](http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/166018/olympics-azizulhasni-dedicates-bronze-medal-malaysia).
Azizulhasni, nicknamed 'Pocket Rocketman' because of his small stature, then wrote a lengthy thank you speech on Facebook yesterday evening
From left: Matthijs Buchli (Netherlands), Jason Kenny (Great Britain) and Azizulhasni Awang on the keirin podium.
Image via Getty Images
Azizulhasni expressed his deepest gratitude for his fans, Malaysians, for their undying support for him and Team Malaysia.
He also paid tribute to his parents, the Youth and Sports Ministry and his coach, the late Rozimi Omar, who passed away last year. The [message](https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153855864271705&id=41189391704) was both poignant and heartfelt.
But it was his expression of disappointment towards some certain people that grabbed everyone's attention. He pointed out that the Terengganu Menteri Besar (MB) had ignored his quest for victory.
Following Azizulhasni's revelation, the Terengganu MB has claimed innocence over the matter
He went on to say that a big surprise awaits the national hero and he will receive an incentive, like all other Terengganu-born achievers
"I cannot reveal this (secret) until Azizulhasni arrives home. We are eagerly waiting to accord him a hero's welcome. Preparations are underway now."
"At the same time, the state government will hold a road show with Azizul throughout Terengganu to spur others to excel."
**"His name will also be etched in the state museum as a treasure and go down in history as our best athlete ever produced (to date),"** he added.
The Terengganu State Sports Council (MNST), on the other hand, has reportedly denied receiving any requests from Azizulhasni in regards to assisting him with the Olympic Games preparations
According to MNST director Ibni Amin Busu, he has never received any form of requests from Azizulhasni let alone be aware of the matter.
**"I'm not sure, and to date, I have not seen that application from Azizul. Let me get the rest of the information first," he [reportedly](http://www.astroawani.com/berita-sukan/kami-tidak-terima-surat-permohonan-bantuan-basikal-daripada-azizulhasni-msnt-114369) told the press after he was asked to comment on the issue yesterday, 17 August.**
Earlier yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that Azizulhasni's request to the Terengganu state government may be a case of an unnoticed proposal
He said Azizulhasni has been getting full support from the sports ministry and Sime Darby, but could have wanted more support, and thus requested Terengganu for assistance.
While admitting that he was unsure of what really transpired, Khairy said that the matter could just be a mere misunderstanding.
**"From my interpretation, I believe it is a misunderstanding.** I will speak to Azizulhasni and advise him to contact the Menteri Besar's Office. **This can be easily resolved and Azizulhasni should not allow it to overshadow what he has achieved in Rio**," said Khairy earlier yesterday.
