Ramalingam said the duo were dropped after failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled to be held from July 26 to Aug 11, following their performance at the World Aquatics Championships, which served as the qualifying event.

“However, they will continue to be part of the podium programme as elite national athletes.

“The RTG committee will continue to monitor their progress.

“The podium programme will work closely with the athletes and the Malaysian swimming federation to ensure both divers receive all the support they need to regain the expected momentum before being reconsidered for inclusion in the RTG programme in the future,” he told reporters here.

Earlier this month, Pandelela and Nur Dhabitah finished 12th in the 10m platform synchronised diving event at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar. The competition at the Hamad Aquatic Centre featured 16 diving pairs.

Olympic Council of Malaysia president Norza Zakaria said the diving team will see some reforms with the addition of more coaches to ensure better performance.

Presently, 18-year-old Bertrand Rhodict Lises is the only diver included in the RTG programme.

Ramalingam also unveiled the Team Mas House, an initiative by the youth and sports ministry, to provide additional sports science and medical support to athletes during the Paris Olympics.

“This initiative is aimed at providing as much care and support as possible for athletes outside the Olympic Village, where access to such services is limited,” he said.

Meanwhile, a fast track programme under the National Sports Council will help young diving and squash athletes, aged between 16 and 25, to polish up their skills ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.