Against all odds.

(From Malay Mail)

Byline: RIZAL HASHIM

SUCH was his dominance en route to the 200km road race gold medal in the 1970 Asian Games that cycling ace Ng Joo Ngan could have enjoyed a shower before the runner-up crossed the line in a classic against-all-odds tale.

Mailsport's RIZAL HASHIM catches up with the 1970 National Sportsman of the Year who remains one of the few keeping the sport alive for the last three decades.

MAILSPORT: When did it all begin, coach? JOO NGAN: I was born in a big family, being the 10th child of 17 siblings.

Our father, Ng Swee Loong, earned a living dyeing shoes and clothes.

I began to show my sporting tendencies during my primary school days at La Salle Brickfields.

I was involved in badminton, athletics, rugby and table tennis.

I even won honours at national schools level in badminton.

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