MINISTRY PUSHING FOR OLYMPIC-STANDARD VELODROME

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry has submitted a
proposal for an Olympic-standard indoor velodrome to be built under the 10th
Malaysian Plan (2011-2105).

Its minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said cost and location had not been
determined yet but the ministry was seriously pursuing the matter.

Speaking to reporters at the ministry here today, he said if given the nod,
construction could begin in 2011 and it would take about a year to be ready.

"If it can be ready by the London Olympics of 2012, it will be source of
pride for us and serve as an inspiration to Malaysian cyclists to strive for the
country's first Olympic gold at the London Games," he said.

Although having world-class cyclists, Malaysia now only have two open-air
velodromes, in Cheras here and Ipoh, Perak. Both lack the latest features in
cycling sports.


Ahmad Shabery had earlier presented cash rewards on behalf of the ministry
to national cyclists for winning two gold, two silver and two bronze at the 29th
Asian Cycling Championship held in Kalimantan, Indonesia last week.


-- BERNAMA