KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) requires a larger budget next year to hire new coaches.
MAF technical director John Ballard said the federation is planning to recruit high-performance coaches to revive Malaysian athletics.
"We need eight new coaches to oversee sprint, long-distance and middle-distance athletes, as well as for jumping and throwing disciplines.
"We have received 60 applications for the coaching positions. However, we can only conduct interviews once the budget for next year is finalised.
"We hope the National Sports Council will approve our budget request.
"Although I doubt our wish for an increased budget will be granted, we remain hopeful. "The other way to raise money is through sponsorship."
He cited that Asian Games bronze medallist Shereen Samson Vallabouy is using her own money to train in Florida in preparation for next year's competitions.
"Budget issues are not only happening in Malaysian sports; other countries are also in a similar predicament.
"If we cannot secure a good budget, athletes may not have the opportunity to compete in as many overseas competitions," said the Australian coach.