Kuala lumpur: Age is no barrier for national diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong to challenge for honours at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, with her wealth of experience among her main strengths, according to her coach.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ooi Tze Liang stated that Pandelela still showed hunger for success and could deliver her best performance at the Games if her physical fitness was at the optimal level. "In terms of experience, I am very confident. Now we need to maintain her physical condition and preparations to improve her performance at the Asian Games," Tze Liang said. He added that a training camp in China is planned to enhance her physical, mental, and overall condition.

Pandelela, 33, is the most experienced diver in the national squad and will compete in the women's 10-metre platform event at the Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4. Tze Liang emphasized the importance of motivation, consistency, and confidence for athletes aiming for the Asian Games. Drawing from his long association with Pandelela, he remarked, "I understand her better because I have fought alongside her. I have known her since she was nine or 10 years old, and now I am her coach."

Tze Liang advised Pandelela to remain focused despite negative opinions from outsiders, including social media comments about her age. "As a professional athlete, she needs to have the wisdom to deal with this kind of situation. Focus on the present and what needs to be done. Let the rest go, because it is beyond her control," he said.

Pandelela's presence is also expected to positively influence younger athletes, such as Nur Eilisha Rania Muhammad Abrar Raj and Yong Rui Jie, who will compete in their respective events at the Games. Eilisha Rania and Rui Jie will be making their Asian Games debuts, highlighting the importance of Pandelela's experience in the squad's preparations.

For Tze Liang, the focus is on ensuring athletes maintain consistency in training and show progress. "My target is consistency in training. I want what we do every day to be repeated and for there to be progression. If there is consistency, I believe there must be a bonus," he concluded.