KUALA LUMPUR: Squash legend Datuk Nicol David has urged Malaysians to come together and show support for track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang following his heartbreaking disqualification in the men's keirin yesterday.
Nicol, who is also the national contingent deputy chef de mission, said Azizulhasni has dedicated his life to the sport and the pursuit of Malaysia's first-ever Olympic gold medal.
"For the past 20 years Azizulhasni has made our nation proud and dedicated his life to becoming a gold medallist," said Nicol on social media today.
"He overcame a life threatening condition and sacrificed a lot to achieve the dream of winning that gold for all of us.
"If there is someone who is heartbroken today, it is him. He is (feeling) incredible pain and disappointment. We should be there to lend a shoulder and a helping hand.
"We cannot hurt deeper someone who is already in pain. That is not what we (should) do when someone is already on the ground.
"I know we Malaysians can understand that one mistake does not (undo) a life of dedication and honour. We can never forget what Azizul has given us."
Azizulhasni had undergone open heart surgery to correct a coronary artery anomaly in 2022. Paris was his fifth and final appearance at the Olympics.
Nicol added that she understood why Azizulhasni made the decision to move to the front of the race.
Azizulhasni, drawn sixth behind the derny, was judged to have overtaken the derny before it left the track during his first round heat at the Saint Quentin en Yvelines Velodrome.
His disqualification meant he was not even allowed to compete in the repechage held later yesterday.
"Azizul, I know this Olympics meant everything to you and how much you worked to be here," she added.
"I also know the decision you made to advance was a necessary risk to take to make sure you were in a good position to qualify.
"I know you had to take your chance because that's what our Pocket Rocket does best, (which is) to find those small moments where a window of opportunity opens.
"I want to thank you for everything you represent - strength, fortitude, courage and humility.
"I wish from the bottom of my heart that you remember all you have achieved and done for us Malaysians.
"I have the best memories and moments watching you compete that I will hold dearly in my heart."
Chef de mission Datuk Hamidin Amin confirmed that Malaysia filed an appeal following Azizulhasni's disqualification but were unable to overturn the decision.
On a positive note, Azizulhasni's teammate Shah Firdaus Sahrom kept Malaysian medal hopes alive by winning his first round repechage yesterday to secure his spot in today's quarterfinals.