IPOH, 28 Nov – The Asia Triathlon Cup (ATC) 2022 which was held for the first time at Silverlake Village Outlet, Batu Gajah, Perak has achieved the objectives set by the organiser, the Perak Triathlon Association.
Dr Khoo Peng Chuan, the Perak Triathlon Association President and also the Chairman of the Organising Committee said that the ATC 2022 which lasted for three days from 25 to 27 November was considered successful especially in terms of organisation and participation of athletes.
“I am very grateful and satisfied when we managed to organise ATC 2022 at the Silverlake Village Outlet, Batu Gajah from the first day to last (Sunday). The weather was very kind to us throughout the three days ATC was held.
“Although this is the first time we have organised such a large-scale event but I must say that the it was well organised in every aspect. In fact, the triathletes participation from five continents including Asian was an accomplishment.
“I would want to extend my thankfulness to all the parties involved including Malaysia Tourism, Perak Tourism, the Malaysia Triathlon Association who played a role in making the ATC 2022 successfull,” he said.
For the record, nearly 90 athletes from 25 countries participated in the elite male and female categories, while a total of 327 participants competed in the Olympic Distance (OD) and Sprint Distance (SD) categories involving men and women of various ages.
Peng Chuan said that Perak Triathlon Association has not made any decision regarding organisation of ATC next year since there is still no further discussion with several parties from government agencies, especially Malaysia Tourism and Perak Tourism. However, we are ready to work together with any party to organise ATC that is seen to be able to drive the economy in the state through the sports tourism sector.
“Actually we are keen to play host again for international triathlon championship like the ATC. At such, we welcome anyone who are interested to partner with us in organising the ATC.
“We have proven through the organisation of ATC this year when we are able to attract the participation of many triathletes from abroad even though it was not an easy task at all. I was told that foreign athletes are very excited to be able to compete in Malaysia especially in Perak. Therefore, ATC 2022 was a best platform for us to promote triathlon to a higher level.
At the same time, he added that the Malaysia Triathlon Association can convince the National Sports Council (MSN) to have international triathlon championship like ATC as training ground and unearthing the talents of local athletes. “ATC is an ideal platform for national athletes to compete with international athletes who have vast experience. Last weekend, we saw many young athletes took the opportunity to participate in the SD category.
“For me, this is a very good exposure for them to gain more experience before they move up to a more competitive stage. So through event like ATC, we are preparing the athletes for the next level and hopefully we can mold more triathletes for Malaysia.” he said.
The last time Malaysia played host for this prestigious ATC was way back in the early 80s at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
This year, Perak has the honour to host the final round of ATC 2022 jointly organised by Malaysia Triathlon Association and Perak Triathlon Association with Stagemaker Sdn Bhd as the event organiser.
There were six categories comprise of elite male and female (age 23 and above, age 19 to 23 and age 16 to 19).
Each participants has to go through three disciplines which is swimming (750 meter), followed by cycling (20 kilometer) and running (5 kilometer).
About 90 participants from 25 countries including Malaysia took part in this elite male and female category.
This time around, ATC managed to draw in participants from Europe, besides representative from Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and a few neighbouring countries from South East Asia.
They are from Germany, Canada, Spain, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia dan Luxembourg. Not only that but the organiser also successfully roped in participants from Palestine, Guam, South Africa and India.
About The Author
