Others

Olympian Ballard is MAF's new technical director

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) has hired Australian John Ballard as its technical director for the second time.

Ballard, who represented Australia in the 400m and 4x400m events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, served as MAF technical director for 22 months from February 2014.

The 58-year-old has worked with several top athletes in Southeast Asia, including former Indonesian sprinter Surya Agung Wibowo, who clocked 10.17s in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

MAF coaching and selection committee chairman Datuk Mark Ling said Ballard was hired to help broaden the base of athletics in the country.

"Ballard is on a two-year contract and will likely start in August," Mark said today.

"The Australian has worked here before, and the experience will help him lift the standard of athletics in Malaysia.

"MAF will set up a committee, comprising Ballard, the National Sports Council (NSC), the National Sports Institute, MAF and two other professionals to oversee athletics.

"Ballard will also work closely with the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry to further develop the grassroots.

"The involvement of both ministries is crucial in strengthening development programmes.

"He will also oversee the elite squad, and we hope to see several athletes qualifying for next year's Paris Olympics on merit."

Meanwhile, Mark said former national coach Zaki Sadri is no longer with MAF.

"Zaki was the national chief coach for four months, and his contract expired on May 31."

MAF was criticised for the poor outing at the Phnom Penh Sea Games.

The federation had set a 10-gold target but its athletes returned with only five gold, three silver and 12 bronze.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories