Asian Games: Malaysia dealt diving blow

Malaysia will be without Pandelela Rinong for diving events at the 2018 Asian Games.

Earlier on, national diving coach Zhang Yukun told Astro Arena that the 25-year-old had to pull out from an upcoming women's synchronised 10 metre platform event after picking up an injury during training yesterday.

She was supposed to partner Leong Mun Yee for the event.

"We do not want take a huge risk. For Pandelela, we want to evaluate her injury first before making any decision on her participation in individual events.

"For now, Nur Dhabitah [Sabri] will be her replacement, and this pair previously won a [bronze] medal at the Commonwealth Games [in Gold Coast]," he said.

However, it was later confirmed by Malaysia chef-de-mission Abdul Azim Zabidi that Pandelela would not be involved at all after her injury was found to be worse than expected.

"We have received a report from a doctor from the National Sports Institute who is treating her.

"She will be withdrawn from all events involving her," he said.

It was the Malaysia diving team's second big blow in their quest of winning an Asian Games gold medal after 2017 world champion Cheong Jun Hoong was ruled out due to injury earlier this month.

For the record, the country has yet to win a gold medal in any diving event in Asian Games history, having amassed seven silver and 14 bronze medals so far.

One silver and two bronze from that medal total were contributed by Pandelela.