Josiah relishes challenge to promote e-cycling
Former national cyclist Josiah Ng is never one to shy away from a challenge.
He was kicked out of home when he was just 18 for choosing cycling over studies. And he went on to write a letter to the National Sports Council (NSC) to offer to ride for the country while he was still an unknown.
Now, after ending his cycling career, the three-time former Olympic track cyclist is introducing the e-cycling concept to Malaysia with the launch of his new cycling academy in Kota Damansara yesterday.
Describing it as his way to give back to the community, Josiah believed the e-cycling concept will be an attractive way to get youngsters to cultivate a healthy lifestyle.
“A trainee can train and compete online with anyone in the world, there are also so many routes available,” said Josiah, who is excited at his new project, which has the support of Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
“E-cycling is on the rise and is attracting investors in Europe and United States but it is still relatively unknown here.
“We are using new technology and anyone can sign up. You do not have to worry about the weather and traffic jams, just focus on the training.
“Of course, you need the coaching expertise and that’s why I will be personally coaching those who sign up for the six-week course.
Josiah, who has served the country for 15 years, said his mission was two-fold.
“I want to help grow a sporting culture in the country and also set up a new e-sports ecosystem based on cycling.
“We’ll go into schools and help with talent identification soon. In fact, Sarawak have agreed to use this concept to train for the Sukma (Malaysia Games) in Johor next year.
“I went to Australia alone to train and help set up the elite training base a long time ago. It has produced cyclists such as Azizulhasni Awang, Rizal Tisin and now Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
“This concept is new but I believe I can make it work. I always like new challenges.”
Syed Saddiq welcomed Josiah’s initiative, saying it was the perfect platform for talent identification for cycling.
“We want to make sure more young kids can take up cycling so that we have a bigger pool of talents to choose from. The equipment is portable and it’s good to promote under sports for all.”