UCI Agrees To Proposal For BMX Asia Centre Of Excellence In M'sia

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the potential to become a super power in BMX cycling should the establishment of a BMX Asia Centre of Excellence, which has been approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI), in this country becomes a reality.

Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh said the plan to set up the regional centre in Johor was discussed during the UCI executive committee meeting in Switzerland two weeks ago.

"In principle, the UCI agreed to Malaysia being the site for the BMX Asia Centre of Excellence. Johor is where the MNCF wants to build the centre.

"All paper works have been submitted and I have also met the World Cycling Centre director regarding this matter,” he said in a statement issued by MNCF today.

In 2014, former MNCF president, the late Datuk Abu Samah Abd Wahab announced that the BMX Asia Centre of Excellence would be set up either in Melaka or Selangor after paying a courtesy call to the office of then UCI president Brian Cookson in Switzerland.

Unfortunately, it didn't come true due to certain circumstances.

However, Amarjit is confident the centre will become a reality and propel Malaysia to become a new power in BMX cycling.

"The situation this time is way different. This time I have the solid support of UCI president David Lappartient and the ACC (Asian Cycling Confederation). I will make sure the BMX Asia Centre of Excellence becomes a reality,” said Amarjit, who is also the ACC vice-president.

He said that he would also inform Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh regarding plans to set up the centre of excellence.

"I will discuss with the minister regarding this matter. I believe the setting up of the BMX Asia Centre of Excellence can turn Malaysia into a super power in BMX cycling,” he said.

-- BERNAMA