Shalin and Co nominated for SAM award

PETALING JAYA: The World Championships gold-medal winning team led by veteran Shalin Zulkifli have been nominated for the 100 PLUSSports writers Association of Malaysia (SAM) Best Athlete for 2017.

The others in the women’s team are Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Sin Li Jane, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, Natasha Roslan and Esther Cheah.

They are up against four other nominees Azizulhasni Awang (cycling), Cheong Jun Hoong (diving), Wong Wen Son (wushu) and trio Phoon Eyin, Loh Ying Ting and Tan Cheong Min (wushu).

The nominees for the Best Para Athlete are Abdul Latif Romly (athletics), Muhd Ziyad Zolkefli (athletics), Cheah Like Hou (badminton) and Muhd Afiq Afify Rizan-Muhd Khairul Adha Rasol (track cycling).

The awards ceremony will take place on March 1.

Shalin, who will turn 40 on March 28, was happy with the recognition.

“It’s great to be included as one of the five nominees. It has been a great year for the bowlers and it’s nice to be recognised for our achievements,” said Shalin.

“Whether we win it or not, that’s secondary. This will only spur us to keep the momentum going as a team,” she said.

Shalin’s main goal this year is the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.

“A year ago, I thought my days in the national team were numbered as I was going through many challenges, including injury to my feet,” said Shalin

“But here I’m again, going for my seventh Asian Games. I’m just so grateful.”

Shalin bagged two gold medals in her debut at the 1994 Hiroshima Games. She also featured at the 1998 Bangkok edition (no medals), 2002 Busan (a gold, a bronze), 2006 Doha (a gold, a silver), 2010 Guangzhou (a silver) and 2014 Incheon (a silver).

Shalin hoped that old-timers like her would not give-up despite challenges.

“I hope that my story is an inspiration to others. I’ve never given up despite many struggles,” said Shalin, who will be taking part in the Brunswick Euro Challenge (BEC) in Munich, Germany, from March 10-18.