Pandelela, 6 others punished for drinking, partying during training stint

The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia says the divers should be aware that they carry the country's image.

Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Two-time Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong is among seven Malaysian divers who have been punished by the national governing body after a video showed them partying and drinking alcohol during a training camp in Guangzhou, China.

The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) has suspended their allowances with more disciplinary action expected to be taken.

“The athletes have fallen short in this case,” The Star quoted Asum secretary Mae Chen as saying. “As national athletes, they should be aware that they carry the image of the country.

“A warning has been given to them. As athletes, they should have been devoted to training locally and overseas, as it involves the government’s money.

“The athletes have admitted to their wrongdoing and have promised never to do it again. They’ve learned from their mistakes and they have apologised to the public.”

The video showed the group partying and drinking alcohol during Chinese New Year in Guangzhou in February.

Chen said the three coaches who were with the team were unaware of the incident which took place in a private area.

She said an investigation committee would look into the case and decide on the next move.

Three of the divers – Pandelela, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Chew Yiwei – are part of the elite podium programme, while the other four – Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya, Jellson Jabillin, Gabriel Gilbert Daim and Kimberly Bong – are junior divers.

Internet users are split over the incident with one social media user saying the divers should be handed a lifetime ban while others felt that they should be allowed to have some fun once in a while.

“If this is the way my tax money is spent, I want no part of it,” wrote one netizen who was quoted by the South China Morning Post.

“I don’t care if she’s an Olympic medallist, or if anyone in there could potentially bring sporting glory to Malaysia. These divers should be banned for life.”

However, another social media user said: “Nothing wrong done. They are entitled to enjoy themselves from time to time after their normal hectic schedule as athletes. Stop making a mountain out of a molehill.”

Pandelela, who won silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze in London 2012, is among the favourites for the 10m platform events at the Asian Games in Jakarta in August.

This is not the first controversy involving the national diving team.

It was reported in December that Pandelela had hit former coach Huang Qiang with a slipper after he kicked her during an argument over a volleyball game.

In April, China-born Huang was freed of a rape charge by the Sessions Court. He was initially accused of raping a 20-year-old diver at the National Aquatics Centre on Sept 26. Huang had pleaded not guilty. - FMT