I would like to reflect on my career journey with the Malaysian team which began as early as 2004. Until my most recent appearance at the Paris Olympics, my involvement with the national team has spanned more than 20 years.

In those 20 years of service to the national team, there have been many achievements, ups and downs, sweet and bitter memories that I have experienced. This includes a very significant incident not only in Malaysia but also globally – the wood splinter injury to my leg in Manchester and also my heart surgery in April 2022.

I have faced many challenges and obstacles, but none have broken my fighting spirit. That’s why I’m known worldwide as someone with mental strength on a different level. #winningmentality

After what happened in Paris, many thought it was the end of my career. Indeed, I won’t deny that I too felt it might be the end. But I took a more proactive and mature step, not rushing and instead taking time to think about my next move.

Every day when I wake up, I constantly ask myself what I want to do. Admittedly, even after months away from cycling, my physical and mental self always returns to the beginning. I wake up just as I always have. Every time I rise in the morning, my physical and mental self craves hard training and the challenges that I have faced and endured over the past 20 years.

After discussing with many parties, seeking suggestions, advice, and critiques, I finally made the decision to return to competitive cycling.

However, this journey will be different from before. I will not be with the national team, as I have chosen to move independently in a professional capacity. During discussions with MSN, I expressed the hope that KBS, MSN, PKBM, and ISN will focus fully (especially in terms of allocation) on new and upcoming athletes like Shah, Ridwan, Izzah, and others for the continuation of performance development.

I will be moving independently with the support and backing of sponsors who have always stood firmly behind me. A thousand thanks to sponsors such as CIMB, Gardenia, 100Plus, Oligo, SwissWatch Valiram, Daikin, and others.

This is a new beginning. A new beginning not only for me but also for my teammates, young athletes, and all of Malaysia’s sports community.

My current presence is to continue sharing all experiences, knowledge, and learning because I believe I have the blueprint to become a world-class athlete.

In life, not everyone becomes a champion in everything. What’s important is never to give up, never stop learning, never stop trying, and never, ever stop fighting.

I hope this comeback will inspire other athletes out there and also the people of Malaysia to keep chasing their dreams and ambitions in their everyday lives.