BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Sultanate have taken a huge leap with two divers to compete at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Melaka next month.

Cheng Wei, the national diving coach, have selected the duo of Mohd Naim Mohd Shafiee, 14, and 11-year-old Abd Afiq Hj Ali to be the most promising divers to represent Brunei at the Games.

Both are set to participate in the 1m Springboard event.

Since this is the first time that Brunei are going out to compete in the sport, the national coach is hoping to build the right image on their first outing.

“Since we have never joined before, we’re hoping to return home with results on our first try. What we want to do is to leave a good image for the others to know that Brunei have got quality divers,” said Cheng, in an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

“Training has been going well. In order for them to perform the dives, they have been practising daily to ensure that they get the movements right,” added the 33-year-old, whose dream is to one day take Brunei to compete at the Olympics.

The divers undergo training six times a week from 7 – 8.30pm at the Aquatics Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Cheng also highlighted how the sport is different from swimming and similar to synchronised swimming or wushu whereby the sport is subjective (points are determined by judges) giving them a chance of a medal.

“Since points are determined by the judges, it is very important to make a good first impression because people will remember you the next time you dive,” said Cheng, who took up the national coaching job back in 2006.

The only worry for the national coach is on how the young boys are going to handle the pressure at their first outside competition.

“Both of them have never competed outside which worries me most. This is their biggest test as Sukma is quite a big event with lots of spectators,” said Cheng.

“Hopefully they can stay calm and not be nervous diving before a crowd. This is only the start of their young career to give them more experience and exposure,” added the Chinese national.

When asked on his expectations, the national coach replied: “We’re not aiming for a medal just yet. It is going to be difficult but there might still be a chance. What we want to see now is to compare ourselves with the best Malaysian divers at the moment.”

The only other athlete participating in Aquatics is national prolific swimmer, Amanda Liew Jia Xin, who will compete in both the 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke events.The Brunei Times

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