JAKARTA: The national diving team received a huge blow following the withdrawal of two-time Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong from the Asian Games women’s 10m platform synchro event, scheduled on Tuesday, due to injury.
National coach Zhang Yukun revealed that Pandelela, who was supposed to partner Leong Mun Yee in the event, picked up a back injury during training on Monday.
The two-time Olympic medallist is also doubtful for the 10m platform individual on Thursday.
“We do not want to take risks. Pandelela’s injury will be assessed before we make a decision on whether she should compete in the platform individual event.
"For now, Nur Dhabitah Sabri will be her replacement.
With Pandelela’s absence, the diving team will find it tough to land a medal in Jakarta.
The team are already without world champion Cheong Jun Hoong who withdrew following a knee injury.
