KUALA LUMPUR — More than just a lyric, the verse ‘Pahit getir hidup dan pengorbanan, terpaksa dihadapi demi kejayaan’ from Ella’s Standing in the Eyes of the World reflects the blood, sweat and sacrifices of athletes striving to uplift the Jalur Gemilang on the world stage.
Every time the song plays, one can almost hear the roar of thousands in the stadium, the Jalur Gemilang waving proudly, and athletes on the podium singing the national anthem through tears.
For them, the fight is more than medals; it is a vow of loyalty to self, family and nation — a promise that every step and heartbeat will raise Malaysia’s name higher.
It is this very spirit that has defined Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Cheah Liek Hou and Muhammad Faisal Abdul Halim as icons of Malaysian sports, proving to the next generation that there are countless ways to lift the Jalur Gemilang with pride before the world.
Azizulhasni’s journey speaks volumes: collapsing on the track, enduring heart surgery, living apart from his family and missing out on Olympic gold by the slimmest margin. Yet none of these struggles ever broke his resolve.
Mohd Azizulhasni, 37, is prepared to step down from the national squad to make way for the younger generation, while choosing the tougher path of competing as a professional racer - all for his love of the country.
“I am very patriotic. Whatever I do in sports, my number one priority is always the country — it’s never about the individual, but about Malaysia. Every time I compete, it is for Malaysia.
“For me, the moment of hearing the Negaraku is very special. That is why when I watch other athletes, for example, karate athletes on stage, even if I see them only on TV at home, I cry. Because I know that standing on the podium, winning for the nation, is never easy. It takes enormous sacrifice, hardship and perseverance,” he said.
For Azizul, seeing Malaysians of all races standing united in support with an unwavering spirit motivates him to ‘send a message’ to the younger generation that victory never comes overnight.
“When I meet young people or junior athletes, I will honestly tell them that if they want to go far in sport, they must be prepared — mentally and physically. You have to make sacrifices, endure injuries, live with expectations and face all sorts of challenges,” he said.
“At the SEA Games level, it may seem easier. But once you step onto the world stage, especially the Olympics, the scale is enormous. Many athletes, under the spotlight and immense pressure, struggle to perform — we call it ‘choking’.
“It’s not easy, but experience is the best teacher. Mental preparation is crucial, as is working with sports psychologists and learning for yourself how to face those challenges,” he said.
