Sarawak expected to continue Sukma diving dominance

Sarawak is poised to retain their dominant position in diving at the upcoming Selangor Malaysia Games, also known as Sukma, scheduled for Wednesday. This is based on their exceptional performance at the 2024 Games held in Kuching, where they secured nine out of the 12 gold medals available. Their success was largely attributed to their national backup divers.

Young talents such as Nur Farisya Alia Affendi, Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasaruddin, and Elvis Priestley Clement have consistently proven their worth, making them the cornerstone of Sarawak's diving prowess. Farisya, who was just 15 when she claimed her first gold, has since excelled on the international stage, winning gold in the women's synchronised 10m platform at the Thailand SEA Games.

Similarly, Dayang's versatility shone through her victories in various springboard and synchronised events, including a silver in the individual 3m springboard. Despite her departure from the national team due to a back injury, she has continued to train with Sarawak and demonstrated her ability to compete at the Sukma level. The men's team, spearheaded by Elvis Priestley Clement, also fared well, clinching two gold medals and a silver.

Their closest competitors are expected to be the Federal Territories, who took home second place at the 2024 Games. The potential threat from FT is further amplified by their strong performances in previous dives, particularly in the men's springboard events. However, Sarawak's extensive experience in both platform and springboard dives gives them an edge, and they are poised to dominate once again in Shah Alam.

The 2024 diving programme saw Sarawak walk away with nine gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, paving the way for another victorious season.