More funds required to hire diving coaches and upgrade facillities
by Ting Tieng Hee, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on August 11, 2012, Saturday
Datuk Lee Kim Shin
KUCHING: As Malaysia woke up yesterday to celebrate the good news of Pandelela Rinong Pamg’s winning the bronze medal in London’s Olympic women’s individual 10m platform diving event, tributes from all around poured in to congratulate her for the historic feat.
The 19-year-old lass from Kampung Jugan, Bau overcame a poor start to collect 359.20 points to finish behind the gold medallist from China Chen Ruolin who had 422.30 points and was only 7.30 points behind silver medallist Brittany Broben of Australia who garnered 366.50 points.
Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said Pandelela had brought honour and glory to the state and nation by becoming the first Malaysian to win a medal in Olympics.
“She is also the first athlete from Sarawak to win a medal in diving at the Olympics.
“We are also proud that three divers from Sarawak, Pandelela, Bryan Nickson Lomas and Traisy Vivien Tukiet were selected to represent Malaysia at the Olympics.
“I hope the Ministry of Youth and Sports will give more support and development funds to our state for sports development and to produce more elite athletes for the country,” he added.
Lee felt that more funding is required to upgrade the state’s sports facilities as well as hiring more professional coaches.
“Pandelela has also set a very good example and inspire young Malaysians especially athletes to excel in sports,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) director Francis Nyurang Ding said he and all Sarawakians were very happy and felt proud of Pandelela as she was the first woman athlete from Sarawak and Malaysia to win an Olympic medal.
“MSNS is especially proud and happy because the state’s development programme for diving more than 10 years ago has borne fruit” he said. He added “We cannot solely claim the credit as we also thank the Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak, coaches and parents for their contribution and strong support.”
“It is also historic for Sarawak for being able to produce an athlete to compete at the highest level of sports competition,” he said on winning the bronze was a historic achievement for Malaysia as Pandelela is the first woman to win an Olympic medal.
“I would also like to congratulate Pandelela and all those who have worked tirelessly behind the scene to ensure her success,” said Francis on the selection of Pandelela, Bryan and Traisy was enough to motivate the younger athletes to excel in their respective sports at the highest level. On Wednesday, Pandelela qualified for the semi-finals in the women’s diving 10m platform after finishing second with 349 points with five dives in the preliminary rounds.
Meanwhile, it is hoped that Bryan will follow up with Pandelela’s success by doing well in the men’s 10m platform event that commenced yesterday.
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