Malaysian diver Cheong Jun Hoong was dealt a huge blow after FINA confirmed she failed to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The former world champion, who suffered a knee injury in 2018 that caused her to miss several competitions including the 2018 Asian Games, was initially thought to have made the cut following her 18th-placed finish in the women's 10-metre platform event at the 2021 FINA Diving World Cup last month.

However, the world aquatics governing body later announced that only the top 12 would qualify for the Tokyo Games.

The Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports released a statement on Wednesday confirming FINA's decision.

Kenyataan Media
YB Menteri Belia dan Sukan

Status Kelayakan Cheong Jun Hoong Atlet Terjun Negara Ke Sukan Olimpik Tokyo 2020

23 Jun 2021#TeamKBS #KontinjenMALAYSIA #DemiMalaysia #Tokyo2020 #MenangBersama pic.twitter.com/TzvVnxBEyf
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"FINA's decision is in contradiction with the original qualifying rules previously approved by FINA and this has affected the chances of Jun Hoong as well as divers from other countries [to compete in Tokyo].

"I understand that the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has sent a letter of appeal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). We hope IOC and FINA will reconsider the matter," said Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Minister of Youth and Sports.

He also instructed the National Sports Council to help the 31-year-old continue her training preparation for the 2022 Asian Games in Hanzhou, China.

Cheong competed in the last two Olympic Games, bagging a silver medal with Pandelela Rinong in the women's synchronised 10-metre platform event.

With her absence, Malaysia's medal chances now lie on Pandelela (women's 10-metre platform, women's 10m synchronised platform), Leong Mun Yee (women's 10-metre synchronised platform), Nur Dhabitah Sabri (women's three-metre springboard) and Ng Yan Yee (women's three-metre springboard).