The recipe behind Sarawak’s diving dominance

KUCHING: There is no secret recipe to Sarawak’s diving dominance, according to coach Shi Yang – only consistency, teamwork, strong support and a development system that keeps producing results.

Shi Yang said the continued success was the result of years of work involving not only the athletes and coaches, but also the wider support system behind the team.

“I think there is no single secret. It comes from many years of consistent training, good teamwork and strong support from the Sarawak Government, Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and the (diving) association.

“We have dedicated coaches, committed athletes and a system that focuses on developing divers from a young age.

“Most importantly, we try to maintain high standards every day and continue to improve,” he told Sarawak Tribune recently.

He then pointed out that the results are the product of many people working together – the athletes, coaches, management, parents and everyone supporting the team.

The formula has certainly produced results, with Sarawak retaining the overall diving title at SUKMA Selangor 2026 after collecting eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

It was the state’s third consecutive overall title, following its first triumph at SUKMA 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, where Sarawak won two gold, three silver and one bronze.

The divers then delivered a historic performance on home soil at SUKMA 2024, dominating with nine gold, three silver and two bronze.

Despite the impressive run, Shi Yang stressed that continued success should never be taken for granted as other states continue to improve.

“Of course, our goal is to remain competitive and continue winning medals for Sarawak at every SUKMA.

“But I would not say that winning every SUKMA is guaranteed. Every edition is a new competition, a new challenge, and the other states are also improving. What we can guarantee is our commitment to prepare the team as well as possible.

“We will continue to develop our young divers, maintain a strong training system, and aim to keep Sarawak among the strongest diving teams in Malaysia,” he said.

The strength of Sarawak’s diving programme can also be seen in the calibre of divers it has produced over the years, including Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg and Bertrand Rhodict, as well as a new generation featuring Nur Eilisha Rania Affendi, Nurul Farisya Alia Muhammad Abrar Raj, Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasaruddin, Elvis Priestley Clement and Enrique Harold Maccartney.

For Shi Yang, the expectation that Sarawak should continue winning is not a burden, but a responsibility.

“For us, the expectation is not a pressure – it is a responsibility. We respect every opponent, but at the same time, we will always compete with the ambition to win,” he added.