SEA Games 2025: NSC Denies Claims Of Funding Issues For National Road Cycling Team

PETALING JAYA, July 14 (Bernama) -- The National Sports Council (NSC) has denied allegations of weaknesses in the national road cycling team’s preparations for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, asserting that funding has already been channelled to the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM).

NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said an allocation of RM300,000 had been approved, with part of the amount already disbursed to fund preparations for the biennial games.

“We held a workshop to list athletes for the SEA Games with PKBM on Jan 16, and both parties agreed that the road cycling team will consist of professional riders.

“However, the decision to choose either Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) or Malaysian Pro Cycling (MPC) lies under the jurisdiction of PKBM,” he told reporters after attending the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS Awards 2024 here today.

He added that claims that the NSC had not provided support in terms of needs or preparations should not have arisen, given that team selection was PKBM’s responsibility.

Commenting on PKBM’s request to purchase bicycles, Jefri said that if TSG were chosen to compete at the Games, the matter would not arise as the team already possesses the necessary equipment.

“If there is a new plan or additional requests, I urge PKBM to come and discuss with us so we can evaluate the matter together,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jefri said the issue of clubs pulling out should not arise, given the prior understanding between NSC and PKBM.

Earlier, PKBM president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill stressed that the national road cycling squad would not withdraw from the 2025 SEA Games and would aim to defend the medals won in the previous edition.

He also denied any issues with the NSC and expressed appreciation for its continued support, including financial and logistical assistance.

Yesterday, several media outlets reported that TSG and MPC felt their contributions were not appreciated after a RM250,000 request for Games preparation was rejected by the NSC at a meeting last week.

-- BERNAMA