Diving coach Yang keen to stay

0

KUCHING: Indications are clear that national diving coach Yang Zhuliang is open to the possibility of extending his stay in the country for the long run.

The 48-year-old head coach told The Borneo Post yesterday he was willing to accept a permanent resident (PR) status from the government if given. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek was going to raise at the Federal Cabinet meeting this Wednesday the possibility of acquiring PR status for its foreign coaches.

Zhuliang who was met at a celebration luncheon held in honour of Olympian Pandelela Rinong Pamg for her bronze medal feat in the London 2012 Olympics at Kampung Jugan here, said he will work out a plan to incorporate the possibility into his long term planning (in the sports).

Touching on the need to acquire more diving coaches, he mentioned that the increase in number of the coaching staff will definitely improve both training and development agendas.

“We need coaches to aid with the development of the divers, with some accompanying athletes for international meets and some to look after the back up divers.

Malaysia can improve further in the diving sports. We have a lot potential divers that become international stars,” continued Zhuliang.

He has mentioned recently that he needed more coaches to look after both the national elite and back-up divers. He also suggested that the country to adopt the more comprehensive China system where each coach is given the task to groom around two to three divers.

On the matter, Zhuliang also stated a diver needs at least two or three years to execute a perfect dive, depending on the level of difficulty. This can be achieved with hiring more coaches.

Shabery, when met by the press earlier, said the National Sports Council (NSC) is currently in discussion to extend Zhuliang’s contract.

There has been fear that the China-born coach might return to Australia, where he has a PR status, after his term ends in October.

Reported in the media of late, the Youth and Sports Minister has stated he will do everything in his capacity to keep Zhuliang in the country.

Many feels that Zhuliang can now boast of a perfect resume after having delivered successes for the country at all levels of the sports following Pandelela’s stunning bronze medal feat.

He has been instrumental in the rise of Malaysian divers in world stage and now has become one of the most sought after coaches. It is understood that offers were already made to Zhuliang during the World Cup in London in February where he helped the country earned 10 out of the 12 quota spots for the Olympics.

Zhuliang arrived in the country in 2001 and a year later, guided Yeoh Ken Nee and Leong Mun Yee to three bronze medals at the Busan Asian Games before helping Bryan Nickson Lomas win the platform title at the World Junior Championships in 2004. Lomas, then 14, was also the youngest athlete to qualify for the Athens Olympic Games.

He left for Australia after guiding the country to the overall title at the 2005 Manila Sea Games. He returned to coach the national divers in 2008.