Tan Sri Datuk Seri Darshan Singh, synonymous to the cycling world, has been an icon for many Sikhs around Malaysia. Well respected by the community in Ipoh, the man who formerly studied at Anglo Chinese School, Ipoh was the man behind the construction of the iconic Velodrome at Ipoh.
At the age 63, he is still going strong. Though no more an influence in the cycling world, he is currently making a difference in the extreme sports sector. Vice President of International Skateboarding Federation and President of Malaysian Extreme Sports Association(MESA), his portfolio in the arena of extreme sports is impressive.
On the 19th of August, Astro Awani's, Abang Fairus and Intan invited me to interview the influential lawyer who has won many careers in his career as a lawyer. The moment i received their invitation, I didn't hesitate and immediately said yes!
We went to the iconic velodrome and at that time, renovations were ongoing. The velodrome which was mooted by Tan Sri has seen many Championships being held there and in the year of 2000, The Track World Cup was held at this very track.
He came with a white mercedes and the vibe he showed to us was just immense. Having just returned from Singapore, he showed great enthusiasm and was all ready to start the interview.
Astro Awani, wanted a slot for the Awani Sukan section which is at 7.30 PM, thus the Ipoh lads decided to interview him. When he first came, he asked why didn't you send me your questions. I was like, GAWD, I'm screwed. Formerly a journalist, he loves to be prepared when he does his stuffs. However, we told him that we wanted a general view from him and decided to make it as an impromptu session.
Camera was ready, and everything was all set. Intan posted the first question and she asked about the developments of Malaysian Extreme Sports and what he has done as the president so far.
Like a lawyer, he answered the question with ease and a former journalist himself, he was at ease with the camera and questions.
He stated that in the month of Ramadhan and Merdeka, the event calender will be limited. International events an exception, local events will take a backseat as they want to commemorate the month of Independence and this year, to make it even special, Ramadhan also falls on the same month.
"MESA will not be organizing any events in this auspicious as our extreme sports athletes will only be having light sessions to ensure that they are in tune before they participate in any tournaments"
During the interview, he lauded the efforts of Extreme Sports Selangor who recently conducted a pilot project in several primary schools in Selangor. Nurturing them young is the key theme and the response has been great.
Officials from MESA visited these schools and they said that the project is a success and it can become a blueprint for many states in Malaysia. Extreme Selangor has created vast awareness for the youngsters in Selangor.
The pilot project which saw the introduction of BMX Flat land does not involve any stunts but the need for speed and endurance. Though it maybe not as exciting as the BMX verts event, this event is able to promote healthy living among the kids.
After the month of August, according to Tan Sri, things will begin to take shape and one particular event will be a project that MESA is looking forward to the most.
'The Climb', which will be set up at The Curve, will see participants around the world converging at KL and outwit themselves in the climb. 24th September will be the date for the event. Another event will be held at the Pavilion and this event will see participants and audience being able to interact each other and embrace the true nature of extreme sports.
Last year, MESA organised the National Championship at Mont Kiara. The event was a success and it will be an annual affair. Many athletes took part and the winners participated in the Asian X Games and ESPN X Games.
He also said that the National Championship is also a dry run for the SEA games as they have to outdo much established athletes from Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
Then came my turn and I asked about the developments in Perak as they have been outdone by states by Selangor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Tan Sri Darshan stated that the lack of facilities in Perak is hampering the progress of extreme sports in Perak. Many facilities being in the outskirts and being outdoor in nature, he said that Perak needs proper investment, proper results, proper management and proper marketing.
The lack of activities was also a concern and he stated that there is rooms for improvement in the development of the sport in Perak itself. He also said that the associations in Perak are being led by volunteers who lack investments and financial security.
He said that the young people who are in this sport, have limited resources but they fully utilise the resources that they have. He urged the associations to find the way and means to drive some funds to improve the state of extreme sports in Perak.
"People with the love for this sport will thrive and I'm hoping that Perak will one day be with the big guns like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur"
The session was over and he thanked us for having the interview. We had a small chat and he wished me well in my future endeavors. He blessed us all and he went off with his white mercedes.
Hopefully in the weeks to come, I will be able to interview more sports personalities and hopefully this will be the first of things to come in the near future.
Avinesh's verdict: Young chaps around Ipoh! Take the challenge and make Ipoh as one of the extreme sports hub in Malaysia! I may sound overzealous..But Nothing is Impossible!! =)
No comments:
Post a Comment