Staying on the beaten track

Old ways but relevant: Datuk Ng Joo Ngan (left) said his training methods may not be as technologically advanced as other teams, but his experience in bringing up countless national riders should speak for itself. — Facebook

PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association (KLCA) head coach Datuk Ng Joo Ngan wants to just move on from all the negative perceptions hurled towards him.

The national cycling legend has been the topic of controversy lately as allegations of unfairness and favouritism within the state association have been voiced out by those previously under his care.

“In all my life as a national cyclist and a coach, this is the first time something like this has happened to me,” said Joo Ngan.

“I don’t force anyone to train under me, parents send their children and I do what I know best – train riders to become champions.

“I just want to move on from all these issues,” he said.

Joo Ngan’s credibility had come into question after parents of current and former KLCA riders came forward accusing Joo Ngan of playing favourites when it came to training and team selections.

“If a rider is not strong, then how do you expect them to compete? I know who can become a great athlete and who can’t,” said the 76-year-old.

“My training method is simple, I train riders to be at the standard of winning gold medals.

“If I don’t think they can do it, I will say it as it is,” he added.

Joo Ngan said his training methods may not be as technologically advanced as other teams, but his experience bringing up countless national riders should speak for itself.

“I look after the riders as my own, I don’t ask for any money from anyone and bear the costs myself. I don’t even ask the association for anything,” he said.

“I can’t be that bad if other parents are willing to support riders who are under me.

“I have never been late. If any rider is late even by five minutes, I will leave without them. At a traffic light, if they go when the light is red, they will have to do push-ups by the roadside.

“That’s how I teach discipline, and I have made many champions,” he said.

Throughout his decorated coaching career, Joo Ngan has produced top cyclists including Azizulhasni Awang, Hariff Salleh, and M. Kumaresan.

KLCA are currently headed by acting president Firdaus Arshad, who replaced their recently elected former chief Datuk Razlan Razali, who had resigned in a huff.