Singapore names new athletics head coach

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Athletic Association (SAA) has appointed Portuguese Olympian Luis Cunha as its new head coach for sprints and hurdles.

Cunha, 49, competed in sprints for Portugal at the Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics before moving into coaching. He worked with 100m sprinter Francis Obikwelu, who went on to medal for Portugal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Said Cunha, who will start his two year contract in December: “Athletics in the Asian region is very competitive and the number of international events taking place over the next few years shows the support and passion for the sport here. I am looking forward to working hard to strive for success with the athletes and local coaches.”