PETALING JAYA: Former Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill has been recognised for his contributions to cycling after receiving the The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn (Fifth Class – Benjama Direkgunabhorn).
The 78-year-old was conferred the royal honour by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) in recognition of his more than five decades of service to the development of cycling in Malaysia, Asia and internationally.
The award was presented by Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) senior vice-president and Thailand Cycling Association president Gen Decha Hemkasri at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (Aug 6).
“I am truly honoured to receive this award, especially one conferred by the King of Thailand. It is not only a recognition for me, but also for Malaysia and the entire cycling fraternity,” said Darshan.
Darshan’s contributions to the sport extend beyond developing cycling in Malaysia, having also played a key role in raising the standard of the sport across Asia.
He began serving as an MNCF council member in 1978 before being elected president of the national governing body in 1989.
He was elected to the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) in 1990 before becoming their secretary-general three years later.
Darshan also became the first Malaysian to serve on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Management Committee.
At home, Darshan was instrumental in bringing several major international events to Malaysia, including the 1993 Asian Cycling Championships, the 1997 UCI World Championship B, the UCI Track World Cup in 2000 and 2001, the Sultan Azlan Shah Track Asia Cup in 2006, 2007 and 2009, as well as the inaugural Le Tour de Langkawi in 1996.
“I progressed step by step with cycling, from the state level to Malaysia, then Asia and eventually the UCI Management Committee.
“I have always been grateful for every opportunity to serve, and I believe this recognition is also an honour for Malaysia,” he said.
Darshan believes Malaysia is now recognised not only for producing world-class cyclists such as M. Kumaresan, Rosman Alwi and Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, but also for its growing influence in international sports administration.
