Targeting the right sport

> The OCM needs to look into events that we can play to our strengths for that elusive gold

THE EUPHORIA from the 29th Sea Games has died down by now. We got what we wanted – to become overall champions with the lion’s share of the gold haul.

And the government didn’t disappoint either. We got an extra public holiday as I had predicted months ago. It brought on a long weekend that we wouldn’t soon forget, especially the unlucky ones who took 12 hours to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, or anywhere else on congested Malaysian roads.

However, a high percentage of the gold medals we won were not for Olympic events. It’s high time that we train our thoughts on the Olympics if we’re to make a mark on the world stage.

If certain national sports associations cannot see the benefits, then it’s up to the umbrella organisation, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), to crack the whip.

Like helping existing national sports bodies encompass new events. Or assisting to set up new associations to handle new sport because a number of Olympic events seemed to have been overlooked by Malaysia.

Take rowing. It’s an event where Penang and Sarawak have rich traditions.

Penangites have long held international-level rowing competitions since the 1970s. They often take place in the middle of the year, during rice dumpling or dragon boat festivals, and the Pesta Pulau Pinang in December.

As for Sarawakians, they have much to look forward to this month at the Kuching Waterfront, starting from this Friday.

The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta is on till Sunday, and next week, the better-known Sarawak Regatta takes centre stage.

This annual blue-ribbon event sees strong rivalry among local teams where 30 paddlers in each long boat battle for honours.

The significance of the Sarawak Regatta dates back to 1872 during the reign of the first White Rajah, Sir James Brooke.

These boat races started with an intention by Brooke to stop conflicts among local tribes where headhunting was still rife.

Brooke instructed all tribes along the Rajang River to prove their prowess through boat races instead of resorting to violence.

With such a long tradition of rowing dating back more than a century, shouldn’t we be in the Olympics? Why forego that golden opportunity?

Another event which we should take cognisance of is the triathlon, a multiplestage competition involving the completion of the three disciplines of swimming (1,500m), cycling (40km) and running (10km).

The word ‘triathlon’ is of Greek origin from the word ‘treis’ or three and ‘athlos’ or competition.

With an increasing number of Malaysians making an impact in competitions like the internationally-renowned Langkawi Ironman Race, it’s high time we ask ourselves where we stand in this sport.

As for cycling, Malaysia seems to be pre-occupied with track races. But in the Olympics, there are also road races. And races involving BMX bikes and mountain bikes! Nothing alien to us.

With many Malaysians spending a bomb on mountain bikes, we should test our skills internationally. It’s been 21 years since the event made its debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

BMX, or bicycle motocross racing, started at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. When I first saw that event on television, my reaction was: “Alamak! There is such an event?”

Unlike the equestrian event, there’s no need to ensure that the horses are well-fed and in the right frame of mind as the rider.

Here, it’s only about the rider and the BMX bike!

And the BMX is not like an aircraft or a space rocket. You can get it from your neighbourhood cycle shop!

So how, OCM? BrigadierGeneral KJ?

Jeff Yong, after making his mark in the twisty maze of mainstream journalism, has finally decided to enjoy what he does best – observing the unusual and recounting the gleeful. Contact him at lifestyle.borak@gmail.com.