KUALA LUMPUR: Former national cycling ace Josiah Ng wants to focus on his grassroots development programme through his newly-established cycling academy.
He said his priority now was on his Josiah Ng Cycling Academy, which is a personal project aimed at giving exposure to youngsters keen on learning about cycling as a sport through simulation and in a safe environment.
“If I were given a chance to be national coach, I will never say no to anything, but I have a mission to accomplish now, to make sure my academy succeeds. I’m a very focused.
“When I first came back to Malaysia, I had a discussion with Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail (National Sports Council director-general). He told me I can make a bigger impact at grassroots level where I can identify young talent through this academy,” he said after launching the academy in Damansara on Monday.
Josiah, 39, said he was not too concerned about the national cycling team head coach position, which is held by John Beasley.
“Right now, the national coach is John Beasley and there’s no opening for that position. For high-performance, they already have a coach. So, it is my responsibility to take care of the grassroots,” he said.
The former Olympian used to coach the Thai cycling team, whose rider Jai Angsuthasawit won the keirin gold medal at last year’s Asian Games. – Bernama
