SSELANGOR: Sarawak’s historic cycling success at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII has accelerated plans for a velodrome in Kuching, with construction expected to begin next year.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project would provide Sarawak cyclists with a permanent training base following the state’s first-ever SUKMA cycling gold medals.
A site has already been identified, while Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been briefed on the project.
“With our own facility, we can arrange programmes to further develop cycling, especially track cycling,” Abdul Karim said after watching the men’s keirin at the National Velodrome on Saturday (Aug 22).
His remarks came after Adib Andhar Andan claimed the men’s keirin title to add to Afif Darwysh Mohamad’s individual time trial victory earlier in the Games, giving Sarawak an unprecedented cycling double.
Abdul Karim described the achievement as even more remarkable considering Sarawak does not currently have a velodrome.
“For Sarawak to win gold and beat states we know are strong in cycling, such as Selangor, Terengganu and Johor, I was very happy with the performance,” he said.
Beyond cycling, Abdul Karim remains optimistic Sarawak can still finish among the top three with two days of competition remaining.
“Hopefully, in these remaining two days, we can add more gold medals. If we can finish first, second or third, or at the very least fourth, that would be good,” he said.
He credited Sarawak’s athletes for delivering medals across a range of sports, including unexpected victories, while highlighting the men’s and women’s water polo teams among the state’s standout performers.
Abdul Karim also congratulated the contingent for its efforts throughout the Games and praised hosts Selangor for successfully organising the biennial event despite the financial challenges involved.
