Wee (centre) with Kasa 2010 coach Arthur Chan, Asas secretary Anthony Kong who is also Sukma XIII swimming meet director Anthony Kong, Sarawak head coach Hii Hieng Chiong and water polo coach Voon Kok Hui after a meeting.
KUCHING: The Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (Asas) is venturing into new territory with much anticipation, excitement and endeavour, as diving and water polo in the state will now come under its jurisdiction after a change to the national sports policy.
Asas president Dato Wee Hong Seng said yesterday that the state body received a letter from Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) secretary Mae Chen on Jan 6, informing that all aquatic sports – swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming – in Sarawak will be under the jurisdiction of Asas by virtue of the fact that as a state body, it is affiliated to the national association.
Wee said Sarawak is unique unlike other states, as it has many divisions and currently has seven affiliates.
“As in the recent change in the sports policy by the National Sports Council (MSN) and also Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), any funding allocation from them will be through the state association or at the least, the blessing in consent from the state sports association,” he said.
As such, Asas’ terms of reference are with the divisional affiliates, and therefore diving in Kuching falls under Kuching Amateur Swimming Association (Kasa) 2010.
“It is hoped that in time to come, all divisional affiliates will have diving and water polo development activities.
“Currently, Sibu has a water polo training programme so they will fall under Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (Sasa),” added Wee.
According to him, diving in Kuching is in solid progress in development and it has started a joint centre training with Kasa 2010 swimmers at the Sarawak Aquatic Stadium in Petra Jaya.
“In due course, we hope Kuching water polo team will train under the same roof as we share all facilities, equipment and gym – when it is in place.
“As a kick-start to water polo in Kuching, we are seeking Asum’s consent to host the 52nd Malaysia Open International Invitational Water Polo Tournament in mid-September.”
Wee said Asas has established the working structure framework for both diving and water polo for the divisional affiliates and Asas.
“Asas is currently restructuring and packaging aquatic sports for the fair distribution of resources for all affiliates. We support and encourage all genuine aquatic activities to promote and develop our sports,” said Wee.
“Water polo was out of the Asas set-up since 2000 and with a lapse of almost 16 years, Asas warmly welcomes them aboard the state body.”
Likewise can be said about diving and for some curious reason, the commencement of diving in Sarawak had never been under Asas’ care until this year.
Wee said water polo has a good record for Sarawak and the state team had won a few national and international medals before.
“We have established a diving sub-committee and now also for water polo. Asas will strive to bring back the glory days and move forward in team spirit,” said the president.
“Hopefully, with the establishment, I am looking forward to a Sarawak water polo championship happening soon.”