Hebei: Hebei in China has emerged as the preferred destination for the national diving squad's final training camp ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, national diving team technical director Yeoh Ken Nee stated that plans to hold the training camp at a diving club in the province near Beijing are still subject to official approval from the National Sports Council (NSC). Ken Nee noted that Hebei was chosen for its comprehensive training facilities and environment, which allows athletes to focus entirely on their preparations without distractions.

Yeoh Ken Nee emphasized that the facilities in Hebei are efficiently organized, with the pool located close to both the accommodation and dining hall, minimizing travel time and maximizing training efficiency. He mentioned that if the NSC approves, the national squad is expected to train there for about two to three weeks before heading directly to Japan for the quadrennial Games.

Hebei is already familiar territory for the national squad, having hosted them on several previous occasions. "The national diving squad has trained there before, I think about three times," Ken Nee said. He also acknowledged the limited options for overseas training camps, as several countries have restricted access to foreign teams in preparation for the 20th edition of the Games. Japan, as the host, and South Korea, have been unable to accommodate the team.

The Malaysian diving squad will comprise 10 divers for the Asian Games. The men's squad includes Bertrand Rhodict Lises, Muhammad Syafiq Puteh, Nurqayyum Nazmi Mohamad Nazim, and Yong Rui Jie. The women's squad will be led by six-time Asian Games medallist Datuk Pandelela Rinong, alongside Lee Yiat Qing, Nur Eilisha Rania Muhammad Abrar Raj, and Ong Ker Ying.

At the previous edition of the Games in Hangzhou, China, the national diving team returned with one silver and four bronze medals. The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4.