Shahidan: Kedah Sports School coach Mohd Poad Md Kassim will take charge of the national sprint camp, according to Malaysia Athletics (MA) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim. The MA committee has agreed to appoint Mohd Poad to train eight national sprinters in Bukit Jalil, preparing them for the upcoming Thailand SEA Games in December.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision aims to resolve ongoing issues between several national sprinters and Technical Director Robert Ballard. The governing body is keen to ensure athletes resume training promptly to focus on the SEA Games, aiming for potential medal wins. Shahidan expressed the need for athletes to concentrate on training, emphasizing the importance of not prolonging the current disputes.

Shahidan further mentioned that the disciplinary committee would address the concerns of athletes who had previously refrained from attending training sessions. Reports indicated that some sprinters had boycotted Ballard, alleging threats of expulsion from the program and dissatisfaction with the lack of effective training programs since Ballard’s appointment two years ago. Some athletes expressed a preference to train under former national coach Mohd Poad.

MA vice-president Sallehudin Satar noted that a proposal to appoint Mohd Poad as the national sprint coach, along with six other coaches for the athletics camp, has been submitted to the National Sports Council (NSC). The decision is anticipated next week following a meeting between MA president and NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin.

Media reports earlier confirmed that the NSC had agreed to MA’s request to appoint six coaches to bolster the national athletics squad’s preparations for major tournaments, including the Thailand SEA Games. This agreement was made during an April 10 meeting between Jefri and the MA delegation, although the coach list was not provided at that time. The new coaching team will include three overseas and three local coaches to enhance training in sprints, throws, and jumps.