Pandelela picked as flag bearer for closing ceremony

PETALING JAYA: Diver Pandelela Rinong (pic) will be Malaysia’s flag bearer in tonight’s closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.

At the 2012 London Games, the 28-year-old Sarawakian became the first Malaysian female flag bearer and went on to win a historic bronze in the individual 10m platform event.

The bronze was the first ever Olympics diving medal for Malaysia and she went on to contribute a silver with Cheong Jun Hoong in the 10m platform synchro at the Rio Games four years later.

Pandelela, who is in her fourth Games, however, did not have a good outing in Tokyo.

She finished eighth with Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchro and 12th in the individual platform final.

Most of our athletes have returned home after completing their events.

Participants are required to leave the Games Village within 48 hours of their final competition.

Cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom were also considered for flag-bearer role but they will face problems getting back to Tokyo in time.

The duo will be competing in the keirin today at the Izu Velodrome which is about 120km from Tokyo.