KUALA LUMPUR: Even though national divers have won all sorts of titles, medals and accolades on the international stage, the fact remains that they have yet to win a gold medal at the Asian Games where China have been the dominant force who have reigned supreme.
Since the departure of China born coach Yang Zhuliang as national head coach at the end of last year after his contract was not renewed, the performance and achievements of the national diving squad at the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia next month will be scrutinised as to whether our athletes can perform under the new coaching set-up.
2017 world champion, Cheong Jun Hoong and her fellow top national diver Pandelela Rinong who won the 10m synchronized platform gold at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April will be Malaysia’s best bet for gold at the Asian Games.
Tough competition is expected from China’s divers who are seen as being in a league of their own, so a target of one silver and two bronze medals set by the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) is seen as a safe approach by the national body for the Games this time round.
Even though the national diving squad won two silver and three bronze medals at the Games last edition in Incheon, South Korea, the target this time round should actually be higher as most of the divers who have been selected to compete in Indonesia are from the Podium Programme, and they have received the very best in terms of training, coaching, exposure and other amenities that have been afforded to them.
Where swimming is concerned, this will be national coach Paul Birmingham’s last assignment as he will step down after the Games, and the national swimmers only have a slim chance of winning a medal.
"The reality of competition at the Asian Games is that it is just as competitive as the Olympics and very tough to win a medal. However we will be giving our all nonetheless,” stressed Birmingham.
In synchronised swimming, China are once again expected to be the dominant force and the Malaysia team will realistically be hoping to ensure that they are able to perform to the best of their abilities and do better than neighbouring Singapore and Uzbekistan.
Senior synchronised swimmer Zylane Lee who took part in Incheon four years ago, has just recovered from a shoulder injury and is busy preparing to take part in the Games.
