Syafiq targets golden farewell
will be competing in his sixth and final Malaysia Games. NATIONAL diver Syafiq Puteh is hoping to put behind him the disappointment of missing out on the Rio Olympics with a strong showing at the Malaysia Games.
Syafiq, who will be competing in his sixth and final Malaysia Games for Perak, admitted that he had harboured hopes of making his Olympic debut but remains focused on building for the future.
“I would have received a slot to Rio if Ahmad Amsyar Azman and Chew Yiwei had qualified in the synchronised event,” said the 21-year-old.
“It was a little disappointing for me as I was cheering them on in the stands at the World Cup (qualifier, Brazil) earlier this year, but I guess it was not to be.
“I am looking forward to achieving more and the main target for next year is the Sea Games as well as to qualify for Tokyo 2020.”
Syafiq, who won two gold in the 2014 Malaysia Games, stressed that he will go all out to defend the men’s 1m springboard individual title.
“This Malaysia Games is obviously special for me as it will be the last for me and Perak expect me to deliver.
“I will be competing in the 1m and 3m springboard as well as the platform individual events but my focus is to defend the 1m.
“Divers from Sarawak, Selangor and Federal Territories will be my main rivals in the event while my national teammate Yi Wei (Penang) will be tough to beat in the 3m.”
Syafiq had also won the 5m platform synchronised event in Perlis with Kua Chee Yap. The latter, however, retired from the sport last year.
Diving starts today at the Sarawak State Aquatics Complex.