Cycling legend and national icon Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, better known as the Pocket Rocketman, takes his legacy beyond the velodrome as the new face of MHsports. His next mission? Empowering the next generation of Malaysians to dream big, ride far, and never give up.
Rise of the Rocketman
Long before the world knew his name, or nickname Pocket Rocketman, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang was just a boy from Dungun, Terengganu, with a second-hand bicycle and a heart full of ambition. Raised in a modest household as the eighth of nine children, his early years were far removed from the glamour of global competition. But his determination was already world-class.
Nicknamed the “Pocket Rocketman” for his compact frame and explosive power, Datuk Azizulhasni’s rise in the world of track cycling is nothing short of extraordinary. His breakthrough came when he joined the national team in the early 2000s, later training under renowned coach John Beasley in Melbourne. From that point on, he was unstoppable — claiming the World Champion title in 2017, winning bronze at Rio 2016, and silver at Tokyo 2020.
But medals, while glittering, are only a part of his story.
Rocketman’s New Mission: MHsports and Beyond
Now, the Rocketman is venturing beyond the velodrome. As the newly appointed ambassador for MHsports, a Malaysia Airlines initiative under Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Datuk Azizulhasni enters a new phase of his journey — one focused not on personal achievement, but national impact.
“Success isn’t just about standing on a podium,” he says. “It’s about how many people you can lift along the way. I’ve always believed that real legacy is measured in lives touched.”
In his role with MHsports, Datuk Azizulhasni will work closely with the airline to support Malaysian athletes both logistically and emotionally — helping them navigate the often-overlooked challenges of international competition, from travel fatigue to mental pressure.
A Platform With Purpose
MHsports was introduced by Malaysia Airlines as a long-term commitment to national sports development. It offers more than flights — it offers partnership. Athletes under MHsports receive holistic support, including travel assistance, media visibility, and strategic brand alignment.
“Datuk Azizulhasni’s relentless drive, unshakeable perseverance, and resilience mirror the values we hold at Malaysia Airlines,” said Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, CEO of Malaysia Airlines Group. “He is the perfect fit to represent MHsports and inspire the future of Malaysian sports.”
With his global reputation, humble roots, and dedication to the next generation, the Rocketman is an ideal ambassador. His story resonates with every young Malaysian dreaming of the impossible — and reminds them that their dreams are valid, no matter where they begin.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Datuk Azizulhasni is already known for his work mentoring budding cyclists, but his impact reaches far beyond the sport. He frequently visits schools, speaks at youth forums, and participates in motivational campaigns across Malaysia.
One of his key messages? That greatness is not reserved for the privileged.
“I come from a small town, a simple background. What I had was belief. And a lot of hard work. I want every kid to know — if I can do it, so can you.”
His outreach isn’t just symbolic. In recent years, he’s helped raise funds for community sports programmes, collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and supported initiatives aimed at closing the opportunity gap between urban and rural youth.
The Mental Battle Behind the Medals
While his physical strength is legendary, it’s the Rocketman’s mental tenacity that sets him apart. In 2022, he underwent open-heart surgery — a life-altering event that could have ended his career. But just months later, he was back on the bike, training, competing, and winning.
“I had to rebuild myself — not just my body, but my mindset,” he said in an earlier interview. “And I think that’s the part of the story people don’t see. You fall. You fail. You fear. But you keep going.”
That spirit — of resilience and renewal — now becomes a core part of his MHsports role. As the Rocketman, he embodies more than speed. He represents the courage to keep moving forward, even when the road is steep.
The Bigger Picture: Malaysia on the Global Stage
Malaysia has long produced world-class athletes, but support structures haven’t always kept pace. Programmes like MHsports mark a turning point — offering athletes the tools, networks, and platforms they need to thrive internationally.
By tapping into iconic figures like Datuk Azizulhasni, MHsports bridges the gap between aspiration and action. It creates a culture of encouragement, where young talents aren’t just spotted but sustained. And it brings Malaysian sports closer to the world — one flight, one athlete, and one dream at a time.
Rocketman in Motion: What’s Next?
At 36, Datuk Azizulhasni shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to train and compete while balancing his ambassadorial duties. His eyes are still set on the next Olympics, but his heart is firmly rooted in building something greater than himself.
“I ride for my country. I ride for the kampung kids. I ride to show what’s possible,” he says. “But now, I also want to give back. This chapter with MHsports is just the beginning.”
Legacy That Lifts
The Rocketman has never just been about the bike. He’s about belief — in oneself, in others, and in the power of perseverance. His journey from Dungun to the world stage is a blueprint of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. And now, through MHsports, that journey becomes a bridge for countless others to follow.
As he once said: “It’s not about how fast you go. It’s about how far you’re willing to dream.” – NMH
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Attiqah Mohd is a writer for New Malaysia Herald and a seasoned PR Specialist with six years of experience in public relations, branding, and media relations across various industries. Beyond her corporate expertise, she is a creative storyteller, painter, poet as well as passionate humanitarian and active volunteer with MERCY Malaysia.
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