KUALA LUMPUR: With an eye on securing Olympic qualification, Malaysia will send 18 divers and swimmers to the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 14-30.
The national diving squad will be led by two-time Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Wendy Ng, Syafiq Puteh and Ooi Tze Liang.
Making up the team are youngsters Gabriel Gilbert Daim, Jellson Jabilin, Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya, Bertrand Rhodict Lises, Enrique Maccartney Harold, Kimberly Bong, Ong Ker Ying and Nur Elisha Rania Abrar Raj.
Pandelela will focus on the women's 10m platform, while Dhabitah in the 3m springboard.
They will pair up for the platform synchro event.
Malaysia Swimming Federation (MAS) secretary-general Andy Low said the diving squad are in China for a training camp.
"The divers are in Hubei to prepare for the World Championships and the Hangzhou Asian Games (in September)," said Andy yesterday.
"We have not set a target as we have not met the divers.
"The divers were already in China when MAS had its elections on June 17.
"However, we hope to see some decent performances from the divers in Fukuoka.
"The world meet offers Olympic spots. The top three synchro pairs and the top 12 individual finishers will qualify for the Paris Olympics next year."
Pandelela, Dhabitah and Wendy are expected to seal their Olympic spots.
Meanwhile, Phee Jinq En, Khiew Hoe Yean, Bryan Leong, Tan Khai Xin and Andrew Goh will carry the nation's hopes in the swimming competition in Fukuoka.
Sea Games gold medallist Hoe Yean will be competing in five events — 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle and 200m backstroke.
Malaysia won two bronze medals at last year's World Championships in Budapest through Pandelela (individual platform and synchro with Dhabitah).