RIYADH: Former Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) president, Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill, received the 2026 ACC Presidential Award — the highest honour presented by the regional governing body.
The award was presented by ACC president, Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, during the 33rd ACC Congress held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday.
The president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), David Lappartient, was also present to witness the ceremony, with a total of 29 Asian National Federations (NFs) attending the congress.
Amarjit, who also serves as UCI vice-president, said his father, Darshan, was selected as the first-ever recipient of the award in recognition of his lifelong service and contributions to cycling at global, Asian, Southeast Asian, and Malaysian levels since 1976 — spanning 50 years.
Darshan is the founder of the ACC, which was established on 31 March 1993, in Ipoh, Perak.
“During his eight years as ACC president, Tan Sri Darshan contributed immensely and rendered invaluable service to the development of cycling in Asia. The ACC was also founded and established by Tan Sri Darshan Singh,” said Amarjit.
“Therefore, the ACC is giving a special honour to Tan Sri Darshan Singh,” he added.
“I am also deeply honoured that the UCI president, who is also an IOC member, is present here to witness the presentation of the ACC Presidential Award to Tan Sri Darshan Singh.”
Another recipient of the 2026 ACC Presidential Award was former ACC President Osama Al-Shafar of the United Arab Emirates.
Darshan served as ACC President from 1996 to 2005 and was also a member of the UCI Management Committee during that same period. He is one of only three recipients of the UCI Merit Award. Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is also among the recipients of the UCI Merit Award.
The 33rd ACC Congress also presented ACC Merit Awards to the former ACC Secretary-General from India, Onkar Singh; world champion from Hong Kong, Sarah Lee Wai Sze; and former Olympic cyclist, Mansoor Bousaiba of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Darshan expressed his joy and deep emotion upon receiving the highest honour from the ACC.
“I have never stopped serving the sport of cycling. I have always continued to work and contribute to the development of cycling across Asia and in Malaysia,” Darshan said.
Main image: Darshan is flanked by Lappartient (left) and Amarjit after receiving the award on Feb 12.
