KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Athletics (MA) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has pledged to resolve the ongoing boycott by national sprinters through a fair and measured approach, assuring that the athletes’ welfare remains a top priority.
Speaking to reporters today, Shahidan said he would investigate the matter thoroughly and convene a meeting on April 24 to chart a path forward.
“I have not received full information yet, but I will investigate the matter and, God willing, we will hold a meeting on April 24,” he said when met at the Olympic Council of Malaysia annual general meeting.
“We will take immediate action — a win-win kind of action. I do not want any party to be disrupted; training must continue.”
The issue surfaced after several national sprinters reportedly boycotted training sessions led by technical director Robert Ballard over the past month, citing dissatisfaction with his programme.
Among those involved are 2017 SEA Games sprint king Khairul Hafiz Jantan, national women’s 100m record holder Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli, and Sukma Sarawak double gold medallist Nur Afrina Batrisya Mohamad Rizal.
Khairul has publicly criticised the lack of structure under Ballard since his arrival two years ago, while Zaidatul is said to have resumed training under former sprint coach Mohd Poad Md Kassim.
Shahidan stressed that preparing elite athletes demands time and care, cautioning against knee-jerk decisions.
“We cannot take rash actions. Any decision must be fair to all parties involved,” he said. “I will try to de-escalate this issue and resolve it in an amicable manner. As the president, I will ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Earlier this month, the National Sports Council approved MA’s request to bring in six new coaches — three international and three local — across sprinting, throwing, and jumping disciplines, in preparation for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand in December. — April 19, 2025