Malaysia’s first diving world champion Cheong Jun Hoong was one of the early casualties, axed due to “lack of quality results since 2018” as well as her age, and a history of knee injuries.
When contacted by New Straits Times after the NSC announcement was made, Cheong said she was not aware of the decision and did not provide a comment.
In a statement on social media today, 4 January, the 31-year-old announced her retirement, hastened by the fact that her contract will not be renewed.
Malaysia Swimming Federation secretary-general Mae Chen revealed that the national swimming squad was hit hard by the budget cuts — with 10 swimmers axed and only Welson Sim, Khiew Hoe Yan, Arvin Singh, and Phee Jinq En retained — but still hopes to reinstate more swimmers if they can prove their performance in upcoming events.
Chen also disclosed that the national athletes who have been dropped will no longer receive allowances or accommodation, nor be allowed to use the National Sports Institute’s sport science facilities, but will still be allowed to continue using facilities in Bukit Jalil and train under their national coaches.