Selangor International Race 2023 bolsters sports tourism

The inaugural Selangor International Race (SIR) 2023, held at the PKNS Headquarters, unfolded as a momentous day of cycling excellence and camaraderie, further solidifying Selangor’s status as a leading sports tourism hub.

The event commenced with great excitement as the Raja Muda of Selangor, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, together with the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, flagged off 1,000 participants. The highly anticipated 145-kilometre race and the special 18-kilometre VIP ride led by the CEO of PKNS, Dato’ Mahmud Abbas, accompanied by corporate partners and the senior management team of PKNS, is truly unique experience with a deep commitment to propelling Selangor as an exceptional and thriving sporting destination

With participants from ten countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, and England, the Selangor International Race provided a platform for cyclists to compete across various age categories. The renowned Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG) and Team Sapura Cycling (TSC) added to the exceptional level of competition, fostering healthy rivalry and inspiring connections among participants.

Mohamad Nur Aiman and Yeong Zhen Yi triumph in Malaysian categories

TSG’s Mohamad Nur Aiman bin Mohd Zariff clinched victory in the Men’s Overall category (Malaysia), while Yeong Zhen Yi from the BikeBaju team emerged as the Women’s Overall category winner (Malaysia). Jersey Konosuke Nagashio from the Wiawis team claimed the Men’s Overall title in the International competition, with Sarah Tan from Singapore taking home the Women’s Overall crown. Each winner was awarded a cash prize of USD 1,000.00, along with a Winner’s Plaque and Jersey.

“The Selangor International Race would not have been possible without the invaluable support and contributions from our esteemed sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Worldwide Holdings for their generous RM50,000 contribution, as well as to Decathlon, Hutan Ration, N8 Nutrition, BS Fitness, Inter Great Group of Companies, Minconsult, Central Spectrum, Kumpulan Hartanah Selangor Berhad, SACC, and Koperasi PKNS Berhad. Their unwavering commitment to this event has made it a resounding success and significantly contributed to positioning Selangor as a burgeoning sports tourism hub,” expressed Dato’ Mahmud.

Event propels Selangor as regional sports hub

The Selangor International Race played a pivotal role in advancing Selangor’s position as a leading regional sports hub. Through collaborations with Kelab Belia Sukan (KBS) and the Selangor Youth Association (SAY), SIR 2023 established a long-term partnership to further enhance Selangor’s standing in the sporting landscape. The resounding success of the event sets the stage for future editions, destined to become annual highlights on the global sporting calendar.

Apart from the thrilling race, SIR 2023 brought significant benefits to the local community. The mending and repaving of roads improved infrastructure, providing cyclists and residents with a better experience. The event also drove an influx of rentals to hotels, homestays, and Airbnb, giving a boost to the local economy. Local food outlets witnessed increased sales, further promoting Selangor’s unique culinary offerings.

Selangor International Race 2023 marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward becoming a prominent sports tourism hub. The overwhelming support from sponsors and participants sets the stage for future editions of this prestigious race. Selangor remains steadfast in its commitment to sports development, nurturing local talent, and attracting international sporting events to showcase its capabilities and charm to the world.