Fatehah Mustapa wants to prove that her exclusion from the 2018 Asian Games was a wrong decision.
The Malaysian track cycling queen was dropped by national head coach John Beasley and the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) after failing to live up to expectations at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, affecting her place in the Podium Programme at the same time.
Despite that, the 29-year-old, who has been training under national assistant coach Junaidi Nasir since she was dropped, believes she is still the top female cyclist in the country.
"All decisions were made by head coach John Beasley. Maybe he already evaluated my results during training and my performances in competitions and thought I was not as fit as before," she told Astro Arena.
"But, for me, even if he said so, I will continue to fight and prove that it is not right. I will prove that I am still number one in Malaysia."
Fatehah, who won a women's keirin silver medal at Incheon 2014, said she would be participating in three competitions after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, including the 2018 Track National Championship in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, in July.
The tournament would also see participations of Farina Shawati Adnan and Anis Amira Rosdi, who were picked by Beasley for the Asian Games in Indonesia — a fact that was not lost on her.
"I am confident [that I can beat them] based on my experience and the way I train, which might not be same as those training in Australia.
"Hopefully I will have enough time to prepare for the National Championship and win at the tournament.
"After that, I will try to participate in as many Grand Prix competitions as possible to get points to qualify for the UCI Track Cycling World Cup.
"For me, I do not care where I have to go to get those points," she added.
Seng Foo Lee
Tue Jun 12 2018
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR secured their place in the Championship with a huge victory, with Leicester City also benefitting from Leeds' defeat.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid: Los Blancos edge closer to LaLiga title with win
Real Madrid edge closer to their 36th LaLiga title after a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Friday.
Minnesota United v Sporting Kansas City: ‘It’s what I’ve waited for’ - Oluwaseyi
Tani Oluwaseyi is looking to continue his fine start to his breakthrough season during Minnesota's trip to Sporting KC on Saturday.
‘We can’t control the Opta supercomputer’ – Eidevall says Arsenal’s destiny is in their own hands
With three games left of the WSL season, Jonas Eidevall is keeping Arsenal's focus on their late push to finish top of the table.
Brazil legend Marta to retire from international football
Brazil's all-time top scorer, Marta, is hanging up her boots at the end of the year.
Man City title hopes rocked by Shaw injury
Khadija Shaw is set to miss the rest of the Women's Super League season, with Man City involved in a thrilling title battle against Chelsea.
Al Hilal 3-1 Al Fateh: Neves on target as Saudi giants close in on title
Ruben Neves was on target from the penalty spot as Al Hilal continued their march towards the Saudi Pro League title.
Edwards urges Luton Town to ignore scrutiny on relegation battle
As the fight for Premier League survival goes on, Rob Edwards wants his players to ignore the noise around them.
Glasner challenges Crystal Palace to extend winning run
After securing Premier League safety in midweek, Oliver Glasner is determined to ensure his team keep up their momentum.
Alcaraz begins Madrid Open campaign with emphatic win
Alexander Shevchenko was comfortably brushed aside by home hope Carlos Alcaraz, who only dropped three games in a routine victory.