Zhuliang’s contract not renewed due to his refusal to use technology

Counting his days: Diving coach Yang Zhuliang has not been receptive to the idea of using sports science in his coaching, hence the decision to let him go by the National Sports Institute.

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese coach Yang Zhuliang’s refusal to embrace sports science was the main reason why his coaching contract in the national elite diving squad was not renewed.

National Sports Institute (NSI) chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi said the decision not to extend Zhuliang’s contract, which ends on Dec 31, was reached with the consent of the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum).

“This was not a last-minute decision as discussions were held for the last three months.

“We found out that Zhuliang’s coaching techniques were ‘old school’ and he was not interested in the sports science technology we have at our disposal.

“If we want to achieve even better results, we need to embrace sports science. No doubt Zhuliang’s coaching methods have produced Olympic medals and a world champion but we need to start to take the performance to a higher level.

“We even advised him to use sports science but he felt his methods were better,” said Azim.

The NSI have already identified the replacement coach but Azim declined to reveal more details.

“He is not from Asia, but is experienced enough to handle the elite squad.

“We will announce the new coach after the official contract is signed. He has only verbally agreed to be the coach. If everything goes well, he is expected to start next month.

“At the moment, Zhang Yukun will be the acting head coach.”

Azim also added that the national divers’ preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, in April and the Jakarta Asian Games in August will not be affected.

“The training programme is already in place,” he said.