Pandelela forced out of FINA GP Championship with injury

National diving queen Pandelela Rinong would not be taking part in the FINA Grand Prix Championship at the National Aquatic Centre, Bukit Jalil, due to injury.

Pandelela, who booked an early ticket to Rio Olympics next year, suffered a back injury in training yesterday, and has been told to rest by the National Sports Institute (NSI).

Secretary general of Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM), Mae Chen said she knew about the injury to Pandelela but yet to find out the source of it.

“I’m in touch with Pandelela in Sarawak, and we are waiting for her scan results, till then we don’t know anything.”

“Since she has already qualified for Rio, she is able to rest for now and continue her preparation for the Olympics,” she told Harian Metro.

Pandelela’s absence will mean that Nur Dhabitah Sabri will replace her spot in the 10 meter synchronized platform.

Other athletes taking part include Muhammad Syafiq Puteh, Wendy Ng, Leong Mun Yee and others.

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