Malaysian cycling stalwart Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill has received one of Thailand’s prestigious royal decorations in recognition of his decades of contribution of cycling in Malaysia, Asia, and around the world.
Darshan was conferred ‘The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn (Fifth Class-Benjama Direkgunabhorn), a royal decorations bestowed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, Rama IX.
The honour was given by General Decha Hemkasri, senior vice-president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur. Darshan was selected as the first recipient of the honour for his role in developing cycling across Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and the wider Asian region.
Speaking about the recognition, Darshan said receiving an award from a foreign country was a proud moment, not only for him, but also for Malaysia and the cycling community.
“It is a privilege and an honour not only for me but for Malaysia as a whole and for the cycling fraternity,” he said.
Five Decades Dedicated to Cycling
Darshan has been in the cycling administration since 1976. He began his journey at the state level in Perak before moving to national and international roles.
He later was the president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNFC) and led the Asian Cycling Confederation from 1996 to 2005. At the same time, he was also a member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Management Committee.
Darshan is also recognized as the founder of the ACC, which established in Ipoh on 31st March 1993. Its formation became an important step in the development of cycling across Asia.
Reflecting on his journey, Darshan said his rise through cycling administration happened gradually, from the state and national levels to Asia and eventually the UCI Management Board.
“I was humbled every time I was allowed to serve. I have played my role in cycling for more than 35 years, and I am very happy that the Kingdom of Thailand has decided to give this recognition to me. I believe it is also recognition for Malaysia,” he said.
Malaysia’s Growing Presence in World Cycling
Darshan believes Malaysia proved it’s ability to produce both successful cyclist and sports administrators who can contribute at the the highest international level.
He highlighted Malaysian cycling names like M.Kumaresan, Rosman Alwi, and former world keirin champion and Olympic medalist Azizulhasni Awang as examples of the country’s achievements in the sport. Darshan also pointed to the achievement of his son, Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, who became the first Malaysian to be elected as a UCI vice-president.
He added that Amarjit’s appointment showed that Malaysians are capable of taking on major leadership roles in international cycling. After 5 decades of service to the sport, the Thai royal decoration is a milestone in Darshan’s journey and recognises Malaysia’s contribution to the growth of cycling internationally.
Sources: NST
