Darshan cherishes ACC recognition for decades of contribution

PETALING JAYA: It truly made his day.

Former president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill (pic) was honoured with the 2026 ACC Presidential Award on Thursday, the highest honour presented by the continental governing body.

And the highlight of his day was when he received the award from ACC president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, also his son, while witnessed by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) president David Lappartient in conjunction with the 33rd ACC Congress held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“I’m honoured to be the first-ever recipient of the award in recognition of my lifelong service and contributions to cycling since 1976, spanning 50 years,” said Darshan. “David is here for the congress and I’m very touched to receive this recognition from ACC, which I founded in March 31, 1993 in Ipoh.

“I’ve 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,” added Darshan, who turned 78 last month.

Amarjit, who also serves as UCI vice-president, explained that Darshan was selected as the first-ever recipient of the award in recognition for tireless service over five decades.

“During his eight years as the president, Tan Sri Darshan contributed immensely and rendered invaluable service to the development of cycling in Asia. ACC were also founded and established by him,” he said.

Darshan served as ACC president from 1996 to 2005 and was also a member of the UCI management committee from 1996 to 2005.

Another recipient of the ACC Presidential Award was former ACC president Osama Al-Shafar of the United Arab Emirates.