By DayakDaily Team
NILAI, Aug 23: Construction on the Sarawak Velodrome Centre in Kuching is expected to begin next year, with the Sarawak government having identified a site for the facility.
According to Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the proposed Sarawak Velodrome Centre had been discussed with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who had also announced the plan during a recent flag-handing ceremony for the Sarawak contingent to Sukma Selangor 2026.
“We have identified the site, and the Premier also announced during the flag-handing ceremony two weeks ago that the State government will build a velodrome.
“We have already briefed the Premier. The site is ready as well. Insya-Allah, next year we will begin construction of the velodrome in Kuching,” he said after witnessing the men’s keirin (a form of motor-paced cycle racing) final at the Malaysia National Velodrome here on Saturday (Aug 22), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Abdul Karim said having a velodrome in Sarawak would provide local cyclists with a dedicated facility for training and reduce their reliance on facilities in other states, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia.
“I know the Sarawak cycling squad has to rely on facilities in Peninsular Malaysia. When you are a guest, we have to wait for the hosts to train before it is our turn.
“Once we have our own facility, we will be able to arrange programmes to further develop cycling, especially track events,” he said.
Abdul Karim also praised the Sarawak contingent’s performance at this year’s Sukma, particularly its success in winning gold medals in events that were not initially targeted.
“Looking at Sarawak’s medal tally, it is well-rounded. I was personally surprised to see events where we did not expect gold medals eventually winning them. One of them was cycling, specifically the keirin.
“We all know that we do not have a velodrome in Sarawak. Keirin is quite a technical event. For Sarawak to win gold and beat strong cycling states such as Selangor, Terengganu, and Johor, I am truly delighted,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the Sarawak contingent could add to its gold medal tally over the final two days of the Games and improve its overall standing. — DayakDaily
