In August, three young Malaysian BMX riders enjoyed podium finishes in the Asian Championships and Malaysian International Championships held at the BMX National Arena in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
Eddyna Nasuhar Zainal Abidin won bronze in the women’s Under-23 event in both competitions. Amer Akbar Anuar finished third in the men’s Under-23 of the Asian competition, while Saniy Syahmi Mohd Safie
finished third in the Under-23 class of the Malaysian International Championships.
The trio’s achievements had somewhat sparked optimism in the sport as cycling in Malaysia had often been dominated by track cyclists.
More talents are expected to be unearthed from the BMX National Series which starts in February and ends in October while the National Championships will be held on July 1 and 2.
BMX racing was first introduced as an Olympic sport at the 2008 edition in Beijing. That piqued the interest of many countries, including Malaysia, as it gave youngsters hope of being a part of the biggest sporting stage in the world. BMX freestyle was contested in the 2020 Tokyo edition.
In 2011, Malaysia’s national coach, John Beasley, drew up plans to further popularise the sport in the country. The Australian was instrumental in moulding Malaysian track cyclists, namely Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Fatehah Mustapha.
In the paper ‘Direction and Objectives of the Development Strategy of the Malaysian Cycling Programme’, Beasley wrote: “We must lobby the (Education) Ministry to consider the idea of putting in modified BMX tracks in schools that can cater for them.”
“These schools would also have BMX bikes for use by their students, which will create an enjoyable atmosphere in introducing them to bike use, as well as creating some healthy competition among peers. Most of all, it will help keep youths healthy,” he added.
Beasley had also suggested the appointment of a BMX coach, adding that 2011 would focus primarily on coach development and the training of coaches, before a programme to unearth talents is initiated in January 2012.
He had also proposed a talent identification development programme, and an elite BMX programme with the aim of getting a Malaysian to compete at the 2014 Asian Games and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Yet, no Malaysian has represented the country in the sport at the highest levels.
Beyond BMX, Beasley had also suggested for “at least one cycling club registered in every state by the end of 2012” and that by “2014, each state should have at least three registered clubs up and running”.
He also proposed that basic cycling tracks be built and completed in all states in Malaysia by the year 2020.
“At the same time, it would be good to incorporate a BMX track in the middle of each basic velodrome to be built. We should also try to get some of these tracks in as many schools as possible, and to get this sport included as part of the sports curriculum,” he added.
However, in reality, schools in Malaysia, especially those in the Klang Valley, are being robbed of facilities and space, all in the name of development.
It remains to be seen if the powers-that-be will look into Beasley’s proposal or keep it on the backburner, just like the many other papers, proposals, and recommendations submitted to the government over the decades.
Image: BMX Racing Malaysia
