Malaysia's former athletes Hakimi Ismail, Lo Choong Sieng, and Robani Hassan will become national athletics coaches, joining Andrew Lulham, Jorge Luis Alfaro, and Yuniaka Crawford Roger.
The six will sign contracts with the National Sports Council (NSC) while Frantisek Petrovic will be retained as the national discus coach. However, his contract will be under Malaysia Athletics, with a grant from the NSC.
Another former Malaysian coach, Mohd Poad Md Kassim, will return to the fold eight months after his contract was not renewed.
The names were announced at a Malaysia Athletics press conference at its office earlier today.
Two months ago, Malaysia Athletics president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim stated that he wanted to bring in three local coaches for the national team.
“I promised to bring in quality coaches, and we now have six of them, plus Poad, making seven new coaches,” said Shahidan.
“Another coach, Frantisek, will also be offered a contract by us, with a grant from the NSC.”
Shahidan also mentioned that the decision to hire more coaches was aimed at ensuring Malaysia returns with a better haul at the Thailand SEA Games in December.
Shahidan also revealed that 10 athletes have qualified for this year’s SEA Games under Category A, while another 20 have been identified under Category B.
Athletes in Category A are those who have met the qualifying mark, and their expenses will be borne by the NSC.
Athletes in Category A include Asian Games bronze medalist Azeem Fahmi (100m), Umar Osman (400m), Wan Fazri Wan Zahari (800m), Irfan Shamsuddin (discus), Andre Anura Anuar (triple jump), and Jonah Chang (shot put), while the women athletes are Shereen Samson Vallabouy (400m), Queenie Ting (discus), Grace Wong (hammer), and Nani Sahirah Maryata (shot put).
“We must deliver the best for the athletes. We have set a target for them, but I shall leave the announcement to the Youth and Sports Minister,” said Shahidan.
“What I can say is that I’m confident we can do better than we did in 2023.”
At the Cambodia Games two years ago, the athletics team won five gold medals, three silver, and 11 bronze.
“When we perform well, the athletes earn a good name. But if we fail to achieve the target, it is the association and the president who bear the brunt,” said Shahidan.
“I’m confident that with these additional coaches, we will do better in Thailand. I won’t reveal the exact target, but what I will say is that I am confident we can improve, which is why I am standing for re-election as president on June 15.”
Asked whether any of the other three candidates have indicated they would withdraw their nomination ahead of this Sunday's election, Shahidan gave a wry smile and said: “I think you reporters seem to know more than I do.”
“Today is the deadline for the affiliates to send in their nominations for the delegates who will attend the annual general meeting. They are the ones who will vote for the new office bearers.”
Shahidan also warned that the national body would not hesitate to take action against those who tarnish the name of Malaysia Athletics.
“We won’t take immediate action. We will give them a chance. I don’t like punishing people, but if they continue to tarnish our reputation, we will have to act.”
Meanwhile, representatives of six affiliates of Selangor Athletics Association tried to hand in their nominations for delegates for the AGM, but were prevented by Malaysia Athletics officials.