Poad returns as M’sia athletics aim to surpass target at Thai SEA Games

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Athletics (MA) are targeting to win more than five gold medals at the Thailand SEA Games in December.

And it could be possible with the return of sprint coach Poad Md Kassim in the national team.

Malaysia won five golds, three silvers and 11 bronzes at the last edition of the SEA Games in Cambodia.

MA president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the official target, which had been agreed by the association, would be announced by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

“On our part, we want to do better than in 2023 – if we win less, that would be unacceptable,” said Shahidan.

The male athletes who have qualified on merit are – Mohd Azeem Fahmi (100m), Umar Osman (400m), Wan Mohd Fazri Wan Zahari (800m), Andre Anura Anuar (long and triple jump), Irfan Shamsuddin (discus), and Jonah Chang Rigan (shot putt). The women are Shereen Samson Vallabouy (400m), Queenie Ting (discus), Nani Sahirah Maryata (shot putt), and Grace Wong (hammer throw).

Both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay teams have also qualified under Category A, having ranked among the top three in the South-East Asian region.

“These athletes made the list based on their merit, but others still have a chance,” Shahidan said.

“We will be sending 20 more athletes under Category B, funded by the federation, and they too could move up to Category A if they improve their rankings before the final list is confirmed.”

He stressed that MA were not only focused on medals, but also on creating a support system that ensures athletes can thrive under pressure.

“We are committed to their success. These athletes can reach out to me directly. We will protect and defend them.”

Shahidan hoped the return of Poad would be well received by the national sprinters based in Bukit Jalil.

Poad’s contract was not renewed last year in November and that led him to join SMK Tunku Anum Tunku Abdul Rahman to train the students there.

But that led to a few sprinters staging a boycott.

“The matter has been resolved. The minister came to see the athletes personally. We’ve agreed to strengthen our coaching structure, where six coaches recommended by MA have been accepted, along with Poad. That gives us seven coaches, and more may be considered if needed.”

The new six coaches are Andrew Lulham (middle and long distance), Jorge Luis Alfaro Quinones (high jump), Yunaika Crawford Rogert (hammer throw), Mohd Hakimi Ismail (long and triple jump), Mohd Robani Hossein (110m hurdles) and Lo Choon Sieng (walk).