Sukma diver drought: Sports authorities looking for solutions
Sports authorities are working to resolve a drought of divers that threatens to force the cancellation of several diving events in the forthcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma).
National diver Pandelela Rinong said she had spoken to Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Malaysia Swimming (Persekutuan Renang Malaysia) on the matter, in which she was told that they were aware of the lack of state participation in the events months ago and are already working to find a solution.
“Let's work and support each other for the...
Sports authorities are working to resolve a drought of divers that threatens to force the cancellation of several diving events in the forthcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma).
National diver Pandelela Rinong said she had spoken to Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Malaysia Swimming (Persekutuan Renang Malaysia) on the matter, in which she was told that they were aware of the lack of state participation in the events months ago and are already working to find a solution.
“Let's work and support each other for the future of Malaysia diving. It takes a lot of passion and sacrifices to be in and stay in a sport that we love.
“That's why, please take care of our athletes' welfare and leave politics aside,” she said on Twitter last night.
Earlier last night, Pandelela claimed there were “political reasons” the Sukma women’s diving events were cancelled, but she did not elaborate.
Malaysiakini has contacted Faizal’s office for comment.
The country has produced some of the world’s top competing divers, including the Olympic silver medallists Pandelela and Cheong Jun Hoong.
Despite this, there are concerns that Malaysia is not doing enough to nurture the next generation of elite athletes, including for diving events.
5 diving events cancelled
According to a July 9 report in The Star, 12 Sukma events had to be dropped due to a lack of participation. The rules require the participation of at least six state contingents for the event to be held.
Diving reportedly had the worst no-show, with five events being scrapped. All are women’s events – 1m springboard, 3m springboard, 10m platform, 3m springboard synchro and 10m platform synchro.
The other events being scrapped are two from canoeing, and one each from karate, athletics, boxing, weightlifting and judo.
The games are to be held from Sept 16 to 24.
In wake of this news, Pandelela had reportedly urged the National Sports Council (NSC) to be more involved in developing diving programmes at lower levels, fearing that Malaysia will be short of talents in the future if drastic action is not taken.
Previously, following Cheong’s retirement from the diving scene, former deputy youth and sports minister Steven Sim had criticised the lack of job security for athletes.
Cheong announced her retirement after the NSC dropped financial support for her. In total, 144 of its 432 full-time professional athletes were cut out from the national training programme.
The NSC had cited budget cuts as the reason for its decision, with just RM244 million allocated to the sports sector in this year's federal budget.
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