Malaysia: Malaysia Athletics (MA) has confirmed it will not be renewing the contract of its technical director, Robert Ballard, which is set to expire on July 31.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MA announced that Ballard’s services would not be extended due to a lack of government funding and private sponsorship for the national athletics body. Ballard, 60, has been with MA since 2023 and has made significant contributions to the development and performance improvement of national athletes over the past two years.

MA expressed its deepest appreciation and thanks for his dedication and commitment during his tenure, wishing Ballard continued success in all his future endeavors. Ballard initially served as a technical director in February 2014 on a two-year contract but parted ways with the association early on December 8, 2015. He later returned to the role in August 2023, again on a two-year contract.