Dr. P. Vellapandian has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Sports Institute (NSI), taking over the role from Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli, whose tenure ended yesterday. Ahmad Faedzal had served as CEO since February 25, 2019. The appointment was officially announced by NSI Board Chairman, Datuk Marina Chin, at the institute’s headquarters in Bukit Jalil.
Speaking at a press conference, Marina explained that the selection process was open to all, allowing anyone to apply for the vacant position.
Dr. Vellapandian brings more than 20 years of expertise in sports science, sports psychology, and the research and development of athlete performance. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to enhancing training methodologies, optimizing athlete potential, and advancing scientific approaches to sports excellence.
She stated that his expertise in developing high-performance athletes, sports psychology, and managing elite sports programs will play a crucial role in elevating NSI to greater heights, supporting the pursuit of excellence in national sports.
At 56, Vellapandian brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as CEO of the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS). Throughout his career, he has held several key positions at NSI, including Director of the Sports Performance Division and Head of the Podium Programme, where he played a crucial role in shaping high-performance sports strategies, athlete development, and advancing research-driven approaches to elevate national sports achievements.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Psychology from the University of Western Australia and also holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in sports science from local universities.
With his extensive experience in sports science, psychology, and athlete development, Dr. P. Vellapandian is well-positioned to lead the National Sports Institute (NSI) into a new era of excellence. His proven track record in high-performance sports management and research-driven strategies is expected to further strengthen the institute’s role in nurturing top-tier athletes and advancing Malaysia’s sporting success on the global stage. Under his leadership, NSI is poised to continue its mission of fostering innovation, enhancing athlete performance, and elevating national sports to greater heights.
Source: Bernama
