Speedy Karim - new MA president, acts fast by starting B10 project to produce sprinters

The Star

15 hours ago

Malaysia's (from left) Khairul Hafiz Jantan, Mohd Arsyad Md Saat, Jonathan Nyepa and Mohd Azeem Fahmi after the 4x100m men's relays final during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
PETALING JAYA: A specialised sprint programme, dubbed B10 (below 10), will be one of the projects that will start under the newly elected Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim. The project will be aimed at producing two sprinters capable of clocking sub-10 seconds in the 100m. "If we can get two such athletes, we can push the 4x100m relay team towards the Olympic Games final," said Karim. "We haven't done that since Dr. Mani Jegathesan reached the semi-finals in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. It's time we changed that narrative." But Karim, who was elected for the post that he had helmed before from 2015 to 2019 on Sunday, was quick to note that goals must be backed by the right processes.
Reflecting on Malaysia's solitary bronze medal at the recent Asian Track and Field Championships, Karim stressed the need to overhaul the current approach to athlete preparation.
"We must study the data from Southeast Asia and plan long-term. Other countries in the region are progressing, we must catch up,' he said.
"For the Thailand SEA Games in December, we will give our target 45 days before the Games."
Karim also addressed the lingering discontent stemming from the heated campaign that preceded the elections.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by athletes and assured that proper channels would be created to ensure their voices are heard and acted upon.
"I prioritise the athletes. Their well-being, safety, and trust must come first. When they feel secure, they will perform. We need every stakeholder on the same page to make this happen."
Karim also addressed the lingering discontent stemming from the heated campaign that preceded the elections.
"I prioritise the athletes. Their well-being, safety, and trust must come first. When they feel secure, they will perform."
Backing Karim is his deputy, Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Abdullah, who promised swift action to mend broken relationships and address long-standing issues without delay.
"Yes, we have problems. But we won't wait four years to solve them. We'll do the firefighting now and move forward.
"If we can solve things amicably, including the issue with the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA), I believe all parties will come to the table."
FTKLAA did not participate in Sunday's MA elections after the High Court dismissed their injunction to halt the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The legal action stemmed from a recent constitutional amendment by MA, which mandates FTKLAA to merge with the Federal Territories of Putrajaya and Labuan.
However, the consolidation process could not be finalised in time for the AGM, leading to FTKLAA's exclusion from the voting process. Wan Hashim also reaffirmed that distractions and petty issues will not derail their focus.
"I will assist the president in fulfilling our agenda. The athletes must come first. That's non-negotiable."
In a dignified transition, former MA president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim offered his full support to Karim and urged all affiliates to come together once more.
"There are always winners and losers in any election. But what matters now is the athletes. That must be our priority. I'll continue helping through my role with Perlis Athletics and will support Karim in his leadership."