I’m not behind the times, NSI

Zhuliang: Calling me ‘old school’ isn’t funny

Look at the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico and other countries which heavily depend on sports science. All of them did not win a gold at the Rio Olympics last year. China still won seven out of the eight golds. Yang Zhuliang

KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Malaysian diving head coach Yang Zhuliang is not amused to be termed “old school” by the National Sports Institute (NSI).

After 10 years in charge of the national elite squad and producing a world champion and Olympic medallists, the Chinese’s contract was not renewed as NSI felt his techniques were “old school” after his rejection of sports science technology.

Zhuliang literally laughed when asked to comment whether it was true that he failed to cooperate with the NSI.

“I asked for a video replay system for us to use in training for years, but it was not granted. So, I find it a little amusing (that the NSI are now talk- ing about sports science).

“Now I want to ask the NSI. Show me how sports science can really make a big difference in diving?

“Look at the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico and other countries which heavily depend on sports science. All of them did not win a gold at the Rio Olympics last year.

“China still won seven out of the eight golds,” said the 53-year-old coach, who first came to Malaysia in 2001 but left four years later to coach Australia.

The teary-eyed Zhuliang, whose contract ends on Dec 31, added that his old techniques still delivered the desired results since he took the national team reins for a second time in 2008.

“I never expected my years of dedication to end up like this. I am very close to my divers. They are like family to me.

“I have imparted all my knowledge and never had the chance to take care of my elderly parents because of my commitments here. I was offered a job by other countries in the past but I did not take it up.

“China have so many training centres all over the country. We are weak in this area and we only have a few divers, but yet we have achieved so much.

“No other country has improved as much as we have. Yet the NSI say my method is ‘old school’.”

Zhuliang went on to question the credibility of the Australian coach who is expected to replace him next month.

“I was previously head coach of the Australian team (from 2005-2008). I am not aware of any Australian coach who did well at the World Championships and Olympics.”

Zhuliang has since been offered a job as development coach by National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail (pic), but he is not too keen.

“I spoke to Shapawi on Sunday about the position, but I have not seen anything in details yet. I don’t know, maybe not (in taking up the job). At the moment I have not been offered any coaching jobs by other countries.”