Kuala lumpur: Former Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) president and former Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill has been conferred Thailand's prestigious "The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn (Fifth Class - Benjama Direkgunabhorn)".

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the royal decoration was bestowed by His Majesty, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, Rama IX, and presented by ACC senior vice-president General Decha Hemkasri. The honor recognizes Darshan's outstanding contributions and lifelong service to the development of cycling in Malaysia, Asia, and beyond.

Darshan, who served as MNCF president from 1988 to 1990 and ACC president from 1996 to 2005, stated that the recognition was not only a personal honor but also a proud moment for Malaysia and the cycling fraternity. He emphasized that the recognition reflects Malaysia's progress as a cycling nation, highlighting achievements of both athletes and administrators on the global stage.

He mentioned the evolution of Malaysian cycling, noting past athletes like M. Kumaresan and Rosman Alwi, and celebrated current icons such as Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang. Azizulhasni recently achieved a milestone by winning a gold medal in the men's keirin event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Darshan also highlighted administrative achievements, referencing Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill's election as the UCI vice-president, marking the first time a Malaysian has held this position. Amarjit secured the role for the 2025-2029 term during the 194th UCI Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, showcasing Malaysia's capability to administer at the world level.