‘OLD SCHOOL’ REMARK UPSETS ZHULIANG
NSI unhappy with coach for not adopting sports science
FADHLI ISHAK fadhli.ishak@nstp.com.my
“I have questions to ask NSI. I want them to show me how sports science can really make a big difference in diving.
“Just look at the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico and other countries who all depend heavily on sports science. None won gold medals at the Rio Olympics. China still won seven gold.”
Zhuliang said his old techniques have delivered consistent results since he took the reins for a second time in 2008.
He had previously coached Malaysia between 2001-05.
“I am very close to my divers, they are like family to me.
“China have so many training centres and we are weak in this area. We only have a few (centres) and yet we have achieved a lot in diving.
“No other country has improved as much as we have yet they say my methods are old school.”
Zhuliang, who coached Australia from 2005-2008, went on to question the credibility of the Australian coach who will be replacing him in January.
“I would like to know what this coach has achieved at the World Championship and Olympic level.
“I was previously head coach of the Australian team and I am not aware of anyone (candidates),” he said.
Zhuliang has confirmed that he has been approached by National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail to take up a development role but is not keen.
“I spoke to Shapawi on Sunday about the position but I have not seen anything on paper yet, I don’t know, maybe not.
“At the moment, I have not received offers from other countries,” he added.