By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 23: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is ready to discuss Sarawak’s plans to develop a dedicated velodrome, says Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol.
He said KBS was open to proposals from the Sarawak government to strengthen cycling infrastructure and develop the sport, particularly following Sarawak’s breakthrough at the ongoing Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor.
“We at KBS are always open to any proposals from the State government, especially when they involve sports development and, more importantly, the development of Sarawak’s athletes,” he told reporters after attending the Sukan Rakyat programme organised by Kuching Division Journalists’ Association (KDJA) at Chung Hua Middle School No. 4, Jalan Haji Taha, here today.
Mordi said cycling had emerged as a sport with growing potential in Sarawak, but the State still lacked a key facility to support its development.
“Especially in cycling, which can be considered a relatively new event for us in Sarawak, we are always open to examining proposals from the Sarawak government on how to develop the sport in the State.
“We do not have such facilities in Sarawak yet, especially a velodrome,” he said.
He added that KBS was prepared to work with the State government to explore the development of the sport and the infrastructure needed to support Sarawak’s cyclists.
“We are open to the Sarawak government so that we can examine and discuss together the development of cycling in Sarawak,” he said.
His comments come after Sarawak cyclist Adib Andhar Andan ended the State’s 40-year wait for a SUKMA keirin gold by winning the men’s event at the Malaysia National Velodrome in Nilai yesterday (Aug 22).
The historic victory has further highlighted the need for proper track cycling infrastructure in Sarawak as the State seeks to build a stronger pipeline of cyclists.
Adib’s gold was Sarawak’s first in the SUKMA men’s keirin, marking a breakthrough for the State’s cycling programme. — DayakDaily
