Para Cycling Camp Among Two Initiatives To Boost Para-Cycling Talent

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) — The National Sports Council (MSN) has introduced the Para Cycling Talent Camp as one of two new initiatives to strengthen efforts in developing para-cycling talent with the potential to compete at the international level.

In a statement today, MSN said the camp was conducted professionally by national coaches at the Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan on May 7 and 8 for 31 para-athletes from across the country.

Eight top para-athletes identified from the camp were subsequently selected for the Next Gen Programme, which will run from July to December 2026, with the best athletes to be offered full-time training under MSN.

MSN said the initiatives were introduced following the success of Mohamad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin, who created history by becoming the first Malaysian para-cyclist to win the sprint gold medal at the 2025 Para Track Cycling World Championships in Rio de Janeiro.

MSN director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the initiatives could help consistently identify para-cycling talent and provide exposure to a professional training environment.

“This is so that they can continue improving and become competitive on the international stage,” he said.

MSN said the second initiative, scheduled to begin early next year, is the expansion of talent identification through the introduction of a para-cycling programme at the state level.

“MSN will work with state sports councils to help implement para-cycling programmes in the states to ensure nationwide participation by 2027,” said Jefri.

MSN said initial focus will be given to states with velodrome facilities such as Terengganu, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, while also strengthening the coaching lineup with the appointment of a new coach for the development programme.

MSN is also arranging to host competitions in Malaysia recognised by the International Cycling Union (UCI), allowing national para-cyclists to collect qualification points for major championships.

In addition to commitments at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Para Games this year, the national squad is now targeting qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games through the 2026 Para Track Cycling World Championships in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, this October.

-- BERNAMA