"Entities" Prevented Pandelela From Qualifying For Paris Olympics? Here's What Happened
Meanwhile, the Malaysia Swimming Federation said an investigation is underway.
By Sadho Ram - 16 Feb 2024, 06:42 AM
Cover image via Earlier this month, national springboard divers Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg and Nur Dhabitah Sabri failed in their bid to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, dealing a major blow to Malaysian aquatics
Pandelela and Nur Dhabitah finished 12th out of 16 diving pairs in the competition.
Image via New Straits Times
Prior to their failure to finish among the top four in the 10m platform synchronised diving event at the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 on 7 February, Pandelela, a two-time Olympic medallist, also failed in the women's individual 10m platform in the competition on 4 February.
Following the setback in Doha, Pandelela reportedly claimed that "entities" disrupted the national diving squad's performance
The renowned Malaysian diver's remarks about "the presence of entities", shared during a press conference on 12 February, have created confusion and invited questions from the Malaysia Swimming Federation (MAS) due to the unusual nature of the claims, which lack any specific explanation.
So, what really happened?
According to a report in Harian Metro on 12 February, Pandelela attributed some of the team's struggles to "unsettling occurrences" beyond their control and bad luck. The report mentioned that she would be bringing this matter to the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, as it also affects both senior and junior divers.
"There are unsettling occurrences […] the full story will be explained later. What I can say is that unexpected things happened, and luck was not on our side," she said, adding, "Almost all of us [divers] were affected by this. It not only disturbed senior divers but also junior divers. It's better if I discuss this matter internally."
Pandelela's vague remarks sparked speculation regarding whether the Sarawakian was referring to a human or something else.
However, MAS claimed it was unaware of the issue raised by Pandelela and stated that they would investigate.
Additionally, MAS secretary-general Andy Low claimed that Pandelela's remarks were only an excuse to cover up her failure as no such issue had been brought to his attention during their earlier conversations.
He, however, added that they will meet with Pandelela to better understand what she is referring to.
Low's statements caused further controversy, with Sarawak's Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah taking issue. The minister called them "distasteful" and questioned the sincerity behind MAS' efforts in grooming Pandelela's successors in the diving sport.
"I was disappointed when Low said Pandelela only 'makan gaji' (take her salary). No doubt the athletes 'makan gaji' but […] there's no need for officers like Low to belittle the athletes. Who is this Andy Low? Has he represented Malaysia? Has he been a sportsman?" the Borneo Post quoted Abdul Karim as saying.
"What have Andy Low and MAS been doing about the successors? If only Pandelela has been around since over 10 years ago, that means MAS has not been doing anything. What have you been doing for the last 10 years? How many years have you been the secretary? I want to ask MAS, especially Andy. What have you done in trying to groom the people to continue in the sport of diving?" the minister asked.
Amidst the brouhaha, Pandelela took to her Instagram on Wednesday to clarify that it wasn't her who mentioned "entities", but a journalist who had asked if there were "entities/unseen hands" at play
In a series of InstaStories posted on 14 February, Pandelela stated that she was taken aback by the journalist's question about "entities", to which she said that she replied with a "no".
She expressed her disappointment, emphasising that she didn't even make an excuse for the defeat.
"But when the journalist asked, I had to answer without giving a detailed explanation […] I said something happened to the team that affected a lot of us seniors and juniors in recent years […] But everyone is quick to jump on the issue without clarifying with me," she wrote in her InstaStories, adding that even the suggestion to meet with Hannah Yeoh to discuss the issue was also from the media, and not her.
Image via @pandelela (Instagram)
Since then, MAS has initiated an investigation into the issue
Low, the MAS secretary-general, said he met Pandelela yesterday morning, 15 February, to gather input from the diver but refused to disclose any details until investigations are over, reported Bernama.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Sports Minister met with Pandelela and Nur Dhabitah today, 16 February.
However, the minister did not share any details about the meeting with the diving duo.
