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IOC: Diver Pandelela must attend Youth Olympics from the first day

PETALING JAYA: Diver Pandelela Rinong’s appeal to attend only the later part of the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore from Aug 14-26 has been shot down by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday.

The IOC’s requirement is for all athletes to attend the whole duration of the competition to enjoy full payment for travel and accommodation.

If not, Malaysia would have to bear the expenses for Pandelela. Pandelela had hoped to be at the Games only during the diving competition from Aug 21-24 to avoid having to skip her intensive training programme in Kunming, China, to prepare for the Commonwealth Games in India in October.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) had sent a letter to the IOC, appealing to the world body to make an exemption for Pandedela and Ooi Tze Liang and coach Huang Qiang.

Surprisingly, the IOC turned down the divers’ request but allowed the coach to attend the later part of the Games.

Edwin Chong, the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) secretary, said they would adhere to the IOC’s decision.
“The divers and the coach will now attend the Youth Olympics from the first day,” said Edwin.


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