MNCF sees Olympic medal potential in BMX park discipline
MNCF secretary Arif Astaman said park, which is a discipline under the BMX freestyle category, offers Malaysian riders a level playing field.
"Over the long run I really do see us having a chance (in BMX park) at the Olympics but don't expect results to come at Los Angeles 2028," said Arif when met recently.
"BMX park is essentially a subjective discipline so we are not at a disadvantage (in terms of physique or aerobic capacity).
"Riders are given a certain amount of time and have the freedom to do what they want within the park, which contains apparatus such as half-pipe, rails, hills etc.
"This is something our athletes can be taught. They can excel if they are provided with world class coaches and a world class training facility.
"China and Japan are already big on this (BMX park).
"So far BMX park has been included at the last two editions of the Olympics and we are expecting it to remain in the Olympic programme.
"UCI, as a world body, is very strong so we are confident it will not get dropped."
China's Deng Yawen won the women's BMX freestyle gold at the Paris Olympics last year.
Malaysia earlier this year received approval from the UCI to set up a World Cycling Centre (WCC) satellite for BMX in Johor, where athletes from around the continent can come and train.
MNCF is hoping to include BMX park facilities as part of the centre which can also host national and international competitions including the Asian Championships as well as be used for training.
The centre will be built and run in partnership with the Johor State Government, Johor State Cycling Association, Johor State Sports Council as well as MNCF.
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