By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 10: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved the construction of a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-recognised international-standard velodrome in Sarawak, with a potential site already identified near the sports complex.
“I have approved for a velodrome to be built in Sarawak. If we develop the facilities for our athletes, we can raise the standard of sports in Sarawak,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the handover ceremony of the Sarawak contingent flags for the Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and Para SUKMA 2026 here today.
Meanwhile, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposed velodrome was still at the preliminary stage, with construction being considered after the SEA Games.
He said the State government had held two presentations with Abang Johari on the proposed facility, while its potential location had been identified in the vicinity of the sports complex.
Abdul Karim said the facility would follow the international standard recognised by the UCI as Sarawak did not want to build a velodrome that could not be used for international competitions.
“It will be one of the sports stadiums that we will be very proud of, and then where we can bring international tournaments or cycling races in Sarawak,” he said.
Sarawak’s first velodrome was previously reported to be in the pipeline, with the project expected to take about three years to complete once construction begins. The facility was also envisioned to meet international standards and support the State’s growing cycling development. — DayakDaily
