MSN Denies Blocking Beasley From Talent Identification Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The National Sports Council (MSN) has denied allegations that it had prevented National Cycling Programme Technical Director John Beasley from being involved in talent identification initiatives, as reported by several local media recently.

In a statement, MSN said all planning for the national track cycling programme involves Beasley, with decisions made through discussions with the Australian coach.

“The Coordination Meeting for Cycling under the Olympic Sports Development Programme 2028 was held on Feb 26 to discuss the direction of this year’s programme and was attended by Beasley and representatives from the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM).

“Among the key decisions was the agreement to channel grants to State Sports Councils for full-time coaches’ salaries, part-time coaches’ allowances, competition participation, basic training support and fuel subsidies for training purposes at the state level,” the statement said.

MSN also stressed that it remains open to new proposals to strengthen the national cycling talent programme, including if there is a need for Beasley to conduct direct talent identification at the state level.

Recently, several local media reported that Beasley had claimed MSN did not allow national development coaches to carry out talent identification (TID) programmes at the state level, which had affected efforts to produce new riders.

According to the reports, national-level coaches are now facing difficulties in sourcing talent as they have been instructed to fully leave the responsibility to the states.

-- BERNAMA