Kuala lumpur: More than half of the 16 local coaches agreed to be appointed by Malaysian Athletics (MA) are former national athletes, according to its Secretary-General Nurhayati Karim. Nurhayati said the decision is part of a restructuring of the national coaching line-up aimed at streamlining the training system and strengthening athletes' preparations for upcoming major championships. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the mutual agreement to appoint 16 local coaches includes both new faces and contract renewals. The emphasis on former athletes aims to capitalize on their experience and insights. The original plan was to appoint 20 coaches, but approval was granted for only 19, with three spots allocated for foreign coaches to enhance expertise in key disciplines such as throwing events, middle- and long-distance running, and sprinting. The foreign coaches are targeted to be from India, Germany, and South Africa and Botswana, although the candidates have not been finalized yet. To ensure a more structured training system, MA plans to appoint a head coach for each main discipline, namely sprints, jumps, throws, and middle- and long-distance running. Nurhayati mentioned that appointment letters are being prepared, with administrative and documentation matters being finalized. The full coaching line-up is expected to be announced next week. MA's focus is on strengthening the current coaching structure rather than appointing a technical director at this stage, with the aim of implementing more structured training programmes. The planned start date for the programme is March 1, with national athletes expected to compete in approximately 20 championships throughout the year.