M'sian Diver Pandalela Honoured To Become Flag-Bearer

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysian national diver Pandelela Rinong Pamg is upbeat about carrying the flag of Malaysia 'Jalur Gemilang' (Stripes of Glory) at the opening of the London Olympics on July 27. "I am very happy and proud to be chosen as the flag-bearer. I did not expect to be given the honour as I feel there are other athletes who deserve it," she said when contacted in Guangzhou, China where she is undergoing training. Hailed from Bau in east Malaysia state of Sarawak, Pandalela, 19, who is one of Malaysia's gold medal prospects at the Olympics, was announced as the flag-bearer by Malaysian contingent chef-de-mission Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid last Friday. Pandelela, who is undergoing training with the national diving squad in Guangzhou, will be returning home soon before leaving for London. "We came to Guangzhou for training as the weather here is similar to that of London. Here, we are more focused and the training can be extended compared to in Kuala Lumpur. "In addition, the platform we have at the Bukit Jalil National Aquatic Centre is quite difficult for Leong Mun Yee and me to practise (for the 10m platform synchronized diving)," said Pandalela. For the record, Pandelela was Malaysia's flag bearer at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010 where she won two silvers in women's individual 10m platform and 3m springboard diving. At the London Olympics, Pandelela will be vying for honours in the women's individual 10m platform, 10m synchronised diving with Mun Yee and 3m synchronised springboard diving with Cheong Jun Hoong. -- BERNAMA