The pioneer who put Malaysia on cycling’s Olympic map

Ng Joo Pong, Malaysia's first Olympian cyclist, passed away at 80, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the country's cycling history. Born into a family of 17, Joo Pong's love for cycling began early, often at the expense of household chores. His father, recognizing his talent, turned family rides into training sessions. Joo Pong's breakthrough came when he won a bronze medal in the 1,000m time trial at the 1963 Asian Cycling Championships.

He went on to represent Malaysia at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, though he did not secure any medals. His achievements extended beyond the Olympics, with silver and bronze medals at the 1965 and 1967 SEAP Games, and a bronze at the 1970 Asian Games. Tragically, his father's death in a 1969 accident deeply affected the brothers, causing a temporary hiatus in their cycling careers.

Despite financial struggles post-retirement and health issues including strokes, Joo Pong remained a source of pride for Malaysian cycling. His memory was honored in October 2025 when the Malaysia Olympians Association recognized his contributions with a citation and an Olympic pin.