It’s no mean ‘feet’ as bowlers plan to get creative

PETALING JAYA: High-five hand gestures serve as a universal form of celebration in sports and is common practice among the national bowlers.

But with the new normal and no form of contact allowed, the first day of training after a long break at the Sunway Mega Lanes tomorrow could turn out to be a dull affair.

However, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman begs to differ.

Siti says she has something up her sleeve to make the training session lively and fun.

“The Covid-19 has put us in a situation where we can try something different and be creative. It’s time to start a new trend (of celebrating),” said Siti, who is fondly known as Sofy.

“Instead of using our hands, we can celebrate by doing a high five with our feet. We have done that before. When our hands are busy fixing the balls, we used our feet to high five.

“We can also use words of encouragement, such as ‘good shot’, ‘well done’, in foreign languages. It’s going to be fun!” added Siti, who speaks fluent Korean.

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary general Maradona Chok said except for Adrian Ang and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, the rest of the national elite team comprising six men and six women would return tomorrow.

Adrian, who is in Penang, will report on Thursday while Syaidatul has requested for a one-week extension to attend to family matters.

The men and women will train in separate sessions, once a day at 9.45am-11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm.

“Those who stay at the NSC hostels in Bukit Jalil, mostly back-up and national youth bowlers, have been asked to stay at home until further notice,” said Maradona.

Meanwhile, Shalin Zulkifli is not too concerned about regaining her competitiveness having made strong comebacks after long breaks from her injuries and maternity leaves previously.

She is more worried about having to leave daughter Aleya alone at home as her husband Azidi Ameran, a national coach, is also reporting for duty.

“I think the toughest part is to be away from her after spending time together during the long break,” said Shalin.

On her long absence from bowling, she said: “It will take some time to work on the basics again.

“It’s good in a way as it makes you hungrier and more appreciative of what you have.

“I’ve taken lots of breaks in the past, so in a way I’m kind of used to it.”