KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Athletic Federation (MAF) is set to clarify the appointment of technical director Robert Ballard, who will accompany national sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi to the Paris Olympics.
Speaking to Scoop, MAF general manager Norhayati Karim stated that the national body has nothing to hide, and a press conference will be held next week.
Earlier, Perak Athletic Association president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, expressed dissatisfaction when MAF chose to send Ballard instead of his former coach, Muhammad Amir Izwan Tan, to accompany Azeem to Paris.
Karim questioned the selection because he feels that Azeem needs a coach who understands his behaviour to face the world’s biggest sporting event, and Amir has been coaching him since he was 14 years old.
Additionally, Karim feels that when such opportunities are not given to local coaches, it will weaken the morale of those who have tirelessly sacrificed to train the country’s athletes.
“MAF will clarify this matter to everyone, I ask for patience and give us space,” said Hayati when contacted today.
It is understood that MAF will hold its annual general meeting next Sunday.
However, Azeem, competing in the 100-metre event, will continue to be supervised by his coach from the United States, Ken Harnden, who will be in Paris alongside four of his Auburn University teammates who have also qualified for the Olympics.
Azeem, who clocked his personal best of 10.09 seconds two years ago in Cali, Colombia, is currently struggling to match that time, with his best performance this year recorded at 10.36 seconds. – July 16, 2024