Lucky Ezuan gets clearance to shoot after breaking finger in fall

PETALING JAYA: Commonwealth Games-bound rifle shooter Mohd Ezuan Nasir Khan slipped and fractured his pinky finger in Bukit Jalil last week.

Fortunately, the 2014 Asian Games silver medallist has been cleared yesterday to compete and he has advised all other athletes to tread with caution ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4-15.

The pencil-thin Ezuan met a specialist yesterday and luckily, he did not have to go for surgery.

“I’m happy that I’ve been cleared to compete at the Games. There is a fracture on my right little finger but it’s not that serious,” he said.

“I opted not to go for surgery because I want to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

“I slipped near the hostel in Bukit Jalil last week. I’ve been trying to train with my injured finger and it’s not too bad.

“I can still hold the rifle even without the little finger touching it. There is slight pain but I can manage it.”

Ezuan hoped all athletes would be careful with the Games just two weeks away.

“All preparations will go to waste if one is injured at this stage. I hope all athletes will stay safe and restrict their movements,” said Ezuan.

“It’s best just to focus on training and retreat to the hostel to rest. It minimises the risks.”

Despite his setback, Ezuan is still harbouring hopes of a good outing in Gold Coast.

He missed out on a medal at the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when he finished fifth in the men’s 50m rifle prone event and sixth in the 10m air rifle event.

“I’ve prepared hard for this Games and I’m determined to win a medal,” added the 28-year-old.