Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Athletics (MA) is anticipating the arrival of six new coaches by May or June, with some local coaches potentially starting by the end of this month, according to its technical director Robert Ballard.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ballard confirmed that all the individuals had been notified, and the next step involves formalizing their contracts. He emphasized that MA has been in regular communication with the National Sports Council (MSN) since last year to resolve this matter.

“We’ve made all the recommendations and we’re really, really hopeful that these appointments will go ahead. I hope this can happen very soon. The requests have been in place for more than a couple of months, not just since last week,” Ballard stated. He noted that while delays are due to funding, visas, and the current employment of some international coaches, they aim to have the new coaches in place by May or June. He also mentioned that some local coaches might begin their roles by the end of this month.

Ballard highlighted the importance of these appointments for MA’s long-term strategy to expand its national program, aiming to include over 100 athletes across Kuala Lumpur, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. “We need to have greater outreach, and if we get these new coaches on board, then we’ll be able to dedicate the time and effort needed to structure these programs and assist state coaches with the athletes in the national set-up,” he explained.

At the Kuala Lumpur Super Series Athletics Championships held at Merdeka Stadium, Ballard expressed excitement over the emergence of young talent in Malaysian athletics, noting how younger athletes are challenging their seniors and fostering progress through healthy competition.

While the 2025 SEA Games is a significant event on their calendar, Ballard views it as a stepping stone rather than the ultimate goal. He shared a long-term vision leading up to the 2032 Olympics, expressing hope to see Malaysian athletes reaching the finals on the global stage.