KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — There’s no boycott nor withdrawals from any nation with regards to participation in cycling’s keirin event in the SEA Games in August.
Azizulhasni Awang became the undisputed king of keirin by winning the World Championships in April.
Under the guidance of coach John Beasley, Malaysian cycling has flourished, putting them as the leading cycling nation in the region.
And because of that many nations felt it would be fruitless to compete in keirin.
In the sprint Malaysia have Fazil Zonis, Khairul Nizam Rasol and rising star Shah Firdaus Sahrom and for the women’s Fatehah Mustapha, Farina Shawati Adnan and Anis Amira Rosdi leading the charge.
“So far we have not received any withdrawals from our member nations and keirin is definitely on the cards,” said vice-president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) Omar Saad.
“There were initial talks about some nations pulling out. However, we need only four nations to participate, for the event to go ahead.
“If there’s anyone who might pull out it’ll probably be Indonesia, but that’s just speculation at this point.”
Meanwhile rumours are circulating Misbun Sidek could rejoin BA of Malaysia (BAM) in the not too distant future.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria was asked about the matter but would not divulge too much.
“I informed Morten Frost (BAM technical director) to suggest a few changes regarding the coaching structure in BAM,” said Norza.
“The issue will be discussed on Thursday during the Coaching and Training (C&T) committee meeting. But no drastic changes will happen.
“Were still in discussion on what to do. Changes could either involve moving the current team around or adding to it.
“There is a vetting process we must do and that’s why for now I don’t want to divulge too much.”
Lee Chong Wei, Goh Liu Ying-Chan Peng Soon and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing are going for the World Championships in Glasgow on June 21-27.
Malaysia’s challenge at the SEA Games will be lead by national No. 2 Iskandar Zulkarnain in singles.
A clearer picture will emerge on who will carry Malaysia’s challenge after the Coaches and Training meeting.
