2011/01/11
Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
EIGHT disgruntled track and field athletes are up in arms with the the Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) for failure to provide adequate needs for them to become world class competitors.
These athletes met Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek at the National Sports Council (NSC) in a closed-door meeting yesterday.
They want a change in the MAAU system, which they claimed was the main contributing factor to the dismal showing in recent competitions and multi-sports games.
Malaysia, who were once among the best nations in track and field in Asia, produced their worst ever showing in the Sea Games at the 2009 Laos edition by returning with only six gold while in last year's Guangzhou Asian Games, they failed to win medals.
Among those who met the minister were hurler Norasheela Khalid, Norbani Hassan, Roslinda Samsu and Lee Hup Wei.
"These athletes are concerned about the current state of the sport. They want changes in the training and coaching system and also want more competitions," said Ahmad Shabery after chairing the Malaysia Games supreme council meeting in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"I have to admit that our performance in competitions has not been encouraging of late. Even our youngsters are staying away and we can't even attract a respectable number of participants in local meets.
"We don't even have enough athletes with potential coming through the ranks. It is a serious matter and we need to address it quickly."
Ahmad Shabery said several athletes are also unhappy with the MAAU plan to move its training centre to Ranau, Sabah.
"They do not agree with it as some of them are still studying while others feel Ranau is too far," he said.
MAAU deputy president Karim Ibrahim had recently stated that athletes needed to train in isolated areas to avoid distractions and proposed Ranau.
"We do not know whether MAAU needs funding but if does, we will have to make a trip to Ranau. I need to know MAAU's future plans and also make a check on the existing facilities there.
"If they are only laying a track without other facilities like a gym, then it will not be adequate for the athletes," said Ahmad Shabery, adding that he will speak to MAAU on these complaints and other pending issues after its elections later this month.