A big change on the lanes
PETALING JAYA: The year 2020 will be a defining year for bowling. The sports that has evolved so much over the years with various standardisation after research and developments will make a quantum leap. And it will not be the same again.
Yet, says veteran national bowler Shalin Zulkifli, the bowlers will be able to cope and handle the changes.
Having been part of the sport for almost 30 years, and bowling for Malaysia since 14, Shalin has seen the numerous changes in the game, from lane patterns to technological advancements to the game.
But this year will be more impactful, said the 42-year-old.
“To me, this year will be a defining moment due to the pandemic. Competitions might be played without spectators, athletes have to follow specific rules, tournaments will be rescheduled, and formats might change.
“For me, the year will turn out positive, and I guess we will have to usher in a new era in bowling.
“It will take some time for everything to catch up. There will be some difference, but there is nothing that our bowlers cant handle. We can adapt to any change or condition.”
After a long layoff which saw the suspension, cancellation and postponements of many tournaments, the sport is finally coming back, with many countries, including Malaysia, finally opening up the bowling alleys.
The national team resumed training on June 15, but all of the bowlers have had to follow stringent standard operating procedures (SOP).
Shalin has experienced many long layoffs throughout her career due to injuries, and it is not a problem for her to readjust to the lanes.
“When I came back I felt like I never left. I have got used to some layoffs these few years due to injuries.
“So, it is not something new to me. It is somewhat of an old norm for me, not a new norm,” she joked.
“My teammates and I are coping well with the standard operating procedures. Alhamdulillah, the process has been easy for us.”