State divers ready for debut in Asian age group c’ships
KUCHING: Seven divers and a coach from Sarawak will be representing Malaysia at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships (AAGC) in New Clark City, the Philippines, which kicks off today and ends this March 2.
Members of the aquatics squad comprise national backup divers Soh Tze Kang and Jared Aiden Harold, and the state elite divers Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasaruddin, Muhammad Lutfir Rahman, Nurul Farisya Alia Affendi, Trisya Ann Voon, and Cecilia Olivia Christopher Leonil – all accompanied by Sarawak head coach Shi Yang.
“I am confident that we can win some medals, but it is hard to predict the gold medal collection because it will be a very stiff competition, especially with the presence of divers from China and South Korea.
“Nonetheless, it will also be a good exposure trip for our seven divers who are making their debut in the championship,” said Shi in a statement.
The seven divers are also members of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma)’s long-list squad, and they have undergone a two-week intensive training at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil, in preparation for the AAGC.
Other members of the Malaysian diving team are Megat Azmi Hakim Megat Nor Ismail, Teng Hui Xue, Lee Yiat Qing, Donald Chen Da Win, Megat Syakir Hashim Megat Nor Ismail and Arif Aisy Rossharisham.
They are led by head coach Nor Aznizal Najib, while the team manager is Khairul Safwan Mansur, who is assisted by Gracie Junita Terry Pega.
Also accompanying the team is judge Awang Sharuddin Manis.
Meanwhile, five water polo athletes from Sarawak have also been selected to represent the country in the tournament.
They are Julius Abbas, Ong Zong Lian, Casper Tan, Bryan Lee and Presley Phang, who are regarded as promising young talents in the sport by state head coach Voon Yong Hui.
About 1,300 athletes from 31 countries are expected to join the AAGC at the New Clark City Aquatic Centre, which features four disciplines, including swimming and artistic swimming.
They will compete in the 1214, 15-17, and 18-and-above age categories.
The swimming event in the tournament will also serve as qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It will be a very stiff competition, especially with the presence of divers from China and South Korea. Nonetheless, it will also be a good exposure trip for our seven divers who are making their debut in the championship.
Shi Yang