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PETALING JAYA: The best athletes, both past and present, are often acclaimed, glorified, and sufficiently compensated for their contributions to the country.
For rally legend Karamjit Singh, that may turn out to be true.
After heartbreaking reports emerged that he was forced to sell his 16-year-old Proton Waja for RM7,000 to embark on an email driving career, the sports fraternity took immediate notice.
His plight reached the Minister of Sports, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican, Naina Merican, who recently met him and promised to investigate his well-being.
“Thanks to the Sports Ministry and everyone who reached out, I don’t think I will go down the e-hailing driving path after this. I am happy because there is some hope for me. I don’t intend to stop running, I have at least another five years in me, ”said Karamjit. Sun Yesterday.
A master at his craft, Karamjit is a world champion in his own class and has shared the stage with the likes of seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.
The “Flying Sikh” became world champion in the 2002 FIA World Automobile Production Rally Championship on its first attempt, and won the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship that same year.
His exploits earned him the Sportsman of the Year award in 2002 with his co-driver Allen Oh.
For most of his career, Karamjit made the country proud through rally racing with the help of his previous sponsors and personal savings.
“I spent around RM700,000, including selling my apartment, my car, and depleting my savings. I’ve had funding before, but it wasn’t enough. Motorsports are expensive, ”he said.
Karamjit racked up several hundred trophies while actively competing, and he hopes to jump-start his career next year.
At 58, the lanky Karamjit looks like the epitome of good health with a daily training regimen and a strict diet that excludes rice and sugar.
Physically and mentally, he is ready to hit the gas.
All he needs now is around RM3 million to compete in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship next year.
Datuk Noorul Ariffin, president of the National Athlete Welfare Foundation, said the promise to give Karamjit a pension for his contributions about 15 years ago will be reviewed.
“Pensions are usually given to Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have won medals, but the promise they made will be reviewed. He is the only Malaysian who has been successful in the rally championship and the Sports Minister is touched by his contribution and wants to help him find sponsors. “
His plight reached the Minister of Sports, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican, Naina Merican, who recently met him and promised to investigate his well-being.
“Thanks to the Sports Ministry and everyone who reached out, I don’t think I will go down the e-hailing driving path after this. I am happy because there is some hope for me. I don’t intend to stop running, I have at least another five years in me, ”said Karamjit. Sun Yesterday.
A master at his craft, Karamjit is a world champion in his own class and has shared the stage with the likes of seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.
The “Flying Sikh” became world champion in the 2002 FIA World Automobile Production Rally Championship on its first attempt, and won the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship that same year.
His exploits earned him the Sportsman of the Year award in 2002 with his co-driver Allen Oh.
For most of his career, Karamjit made the country proud through rally racing with the help of his previous sponsors and personal savings.
“I spent around RM700,000, including selling my apartment, my car, and depleting my savings. I’ve had funding before, but it wasn’t enough. Motorsports are expensive, ”he said.
Karamjit racked up several hundred trophies while actively competing, and he hopes to jump-start his career next year.
At 58, the lanky Karamjit looks like the epitome of good health with a daily training regimen and a strict diet that excludes rice and sugar.
Physically and mentally, you’re ready to hit the gas.
All he needs now is around RM3 million to compete in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship next year.
Datuk Noorul Ariffin, president of the National Athlete Welfare Foundation, said the promise to give Karamjit a pension for his contributions about 15 years ago will be reviewed.
“Pensions are usually given to Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have won medals, but the promise they made will be reviewed. He is the only Malaysian who has been successful in the rally championship and the Sports Minister is touched by his contribution and wants to help him find sponsors. “
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