Kuala Lumpur: Merdeka Stadium has been identified as one of the best options to serve as a training centre for national athletes, said Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim. He emphasized the need for a quick resolution to the issue of securing a proper training venue, as the absence of such a facility could disrupt preparations for the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand this December.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Shahidan mentioned that the primary challenge faced by athletes and coaches is the lack of a permanent training venue. While Merdeka Stadium is being considered, the high rental costs pose a challenge. Dr Shahidan expressed his intention to negotiate with the government for a potential discount to facilitate training at the stadium.
Currently, national athletes are compelled to train at temporary venues like the National Valuation Institute (INSPEN) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This situation persists due to the ongoing maintenance-related closure of the stadium at the National Sports Council (NSC). Dr Shahidan highlighted the importance of having proper training facilities to ensure optimal performance at the SEA Games, as it would reflect Malaysia’s capabilities ahead of hosting the 2027 edition.
He further noted that 85 athletes are currently part of the NSC programme, which includes the Podium and back-up programmes, while 22 athletes are enrolled in MA’s development programme. Additionally, Dr Shahidan addressed the resolution of coach appointments, announcing the return of experienced coach Mohd Poad Md Kassim to the national coaching line-up. With six coaches already approved by the NSC, Mohd Poad’s inclusion marks the seventh, with the possibility of further additions.
On the subject of the Kuala Lumpur Super Series Athletics Championships, Dr Shahidan remarked on the event’s positive impact, noting the emergence of promising new talents. He also mentioned that the NSC has agreed for Malaysian athletes to participate in competitions in Hong Kong and South Korea, along with the Vietnam Open and Thailand Open, which MA has requested to join.