Shahidan refutes Irfan's claims of intimidation by MA officials
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Athletics (MA) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has denied claims that he and other MA officials threatened national discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin.
This comes after Irfan, a bronze medallist at the recent Asian Championships in South Korea, alleged on Friday that he had been subjected to threats by Shahidan and several MA officials — though he declined to reveal further details.
The 28-year-old athlete has since lodged formal complaints with World Athletics (WA), Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the National Sports Council (NSC), National Sports Institute (ISN), and MA itself.
"I have never threatened Irfan or any other athlete," Shahidan said yesterday.
"I believe someone has instigated him. I have a good relationship with everyone."
Earlier, Irfan said that the repeated acts of intimidation had impacted his well-being, sense of security and ability to train and perform as a national athlete.
"Today, I am officially raising serious concerns regarding the ongoing acts of intimidation against me," said Irfan during a press conference.
"It is the right and dignity of every athlete to train without fear. I urge the relevant authorities and sports bodies to take this matter seriously.
"I am proud to have won a bronze medal for Malaysia at the Asian Championships, but I feel saddened that I received a series of threats from MA officials. These actions have caused emotional distress."
Irfan added: "I have given my time and dedication to represent Malaysia since I was 14, winning six Sea Games gold medals, one silver, and two bronzes at the Asian Championships.
"I've trained and competed for this country for 16 years — should my future be determined solely by one individual?
"I have the right to speak out — not only for my own dignity but also for every athlete. Sport should be a space for justice, support, and respect."
The MA elections will take place on Sunday, with Shahidan seeking re-election against three challengers: incumbent deputy president Datuk Seri Wira Mark Ling, Perak's Datuk Karim Ibrahim and Terengganu's Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.
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Shahidan refutes Irfan's claims of intimidation by MA officials
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Athletics (MA) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has denied claims that he and other MA officials threatened national discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin. This comes after Irfan, a bronze medallist at the recent Asian Championships in South Korea, alleged on Friday that he had been subjected to threats by Shahidan and several MA officials — though he declined to reveal further details. The 28-year-old athlete has since lodged formal complaints with World Athletics (WA), Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the National Sports Council (NSC), National Sports Institute (ISN), and MA itself. "I have never threatened Irfan or any other athlete," Shahidan said yesterday. "I believe someone has instigated him. I have a good relationship with everyone." Earlier, Irfan said that the repeated acts of intimidation had impacted his well-being, sense of security and ability to train and perform as a national athlete. "Today, I am officially raising serious concerns regarding the ongoing acts of intimidation against me," said Irfan during a press conference. "It is the right and dignity of every athlete to train without fear. I urge the relevant authorities and sports bodies to take this matter seriously. "I am proud to have won a bronze medal for Malaysia at the Asian Championships, but I feel saddened that I received a series of threats from MA officials. These actions have caused emotional distress." Irfan added: "I have given my time and dedication to represent Malaysia since I was 14, winning six Sea Games gold medals, one silver, and two bronzes at the Asian Championships. "I've trained and competed for this country for 16 years — should my future be determined solely by one individual? "I have the right to speak out — not only for my own dignity but also for every athlete. Sport should be a space for justice, support, and respect." The MA elections will take place on Sunday, with Shahidan seeking re-election against three challengers: incumbent deputy president Datuk Seri Wira Mark Ling, Perak's Datuk Karim Ibrahim and Terengganu's Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.
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