KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian road cycling great Harrif Saleh is hoping he will be given a chance to represent the country in track cycling at next year's Thailand Sea Games.
The sprinter's chances of making the cut for the road squad for the Sea Games appear slim as hosts Thailand are expected to use a hilly course which better suits their climbers.
Harrif is thus looking to represent Malaysia in the track endurance disciplines.
The 36-year-old proved he remains a force on the track after winning the men's elimination race gold medal at the National Championships in May.
"I have proven that I am still one of the best (in category) after winning the medal at the national championships," said Harrif today.
"I don't mind forking out my own money to race in track events because I love this sport and I am still as motivated as ever.
"I hope the National Sports Council (NSC) will open their eyes and give me a chance to represent the country in this event.
"At the same time, I can also share my knowledge and experiences with the younger riders."
Two gold medals will be on offer in the men's track endurance events at the Thailand Sea Games, one in the men's team pursuit and one in the points race.
Harrif had earlier in his career won two gold in the team pursuit at the Sea Games in 2007 (Thailand) and 2011 (Indonesia) as well as the scratch gold in 2011 before he started to focus more on road cycling.
He went on to win two gold in road cycling at the 2015 Singapore Sea Games (road race, criterium) as well as one gold at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (criterium).
The Kuala Terengganu native has also won three Le Tour de Langkawi stages, which is more than any other Malaysian rider.
He also became the first Malaysian rider to win a UCI sanctioned road race in Europe when he won GP Manavgat in Turkiye in 2021.