When Gurbaksh Singh Kler came to North Borneo in 1924, he suffered heart problem. And his doctor advised him to walk 3 miles a day.

Gurkbash took up running and became a self-taught coach. His love for sports influenced five of his children to become athletes and pioneer sports administrators.

His eldest son, Dilbagh Singh Kler was known as the ‘Flying Sikh’. He was an Olympian and a record-breaking athlete.


As told by Balwant Singh Kler, Gurkbash’s son who founded the first Sabah Swimming Association and helped to form the Malaysian Triathlon Association.

Watch his story here: