EVERY fan cheered wildly when Shalin Zulkifli won the individual gold medal last Friday at the Sea Games. It was nerve-racking watching the neck and neck battle.
Shalin beat her Indonesian rival, Tannya Roumimper, by a single pin, sending her supporters wild with delight. Even those watching on television could feel the tension building as Shalin made her last bowl.
Shalin was the subject of discussion over breakfast and lunch yesterday. I have family members who bowl regularly and they were so charged up when watching the game on TV.
I called an old colleague, Tony Mariadas, a media officer with the Olympic Council of Malaysia, for his views.
During his sports news reporting days, Tony covered bowling extensively. Over the phone, Tony was just as excited about Shalin and bowling as he was when he was a journalist with The Malay Mail.
Tony said: “Shalin’s passion for bowling has never ceased. Since her parents were also bowlers, it was natural that Shalin took up the sports.
“Shalin has won almost every title there is in bowling at home and abroad. She started serious competition at 13. Today, at 39, she has been bowling at a very high level for 26 years.
“She has been inducted into the World Bowling Hall of Fame, a feat that is not easily achieved. Indeed, Shalin is a good ambassador for the sports. And, she is not stingy with advice and guidance to younger bowlers.
“But mind you, she wouldn’t be where she is without support, guidance and sacrifices. Her family is solidly behind her.
“Her husband, Azidi Ameran, was a national bowling champion too, which is a big help because he understands her need to do well and realise her dreams.
“I salute her for her achievements, her tenacity and drive, and her passion for the sports. Mind you, she has to juggle her time between bowling practices and domestic duties.”
I then bumped into an old-timer who knew Shalin when she was very young. A. Karim Indot, a bowler to this day, said he was bowling with Shalin’s parents in their younger days.
Karim said: “Shalin grew up in a world where bowling was life. I remember bowling at Kent Bowl with her parents. They brought Shalin along and there she was getting acquainted with the game.
“I remember Shalin also doing her school work there. She brought her homework along and everyone who knew her would help. I’ve seen her growing up as a keen bowler to a champion bowler. I’m very proud.”
One aspect of Friday’s finals that was not missed was the sportsmanship shown between Shalin and her Indonesian opponent.
Tannya was the first to hug Shalin, who cried on her rival’s shoulders as the two showed the world what sports is all about. They were battling pin for pin to the very last minute.
I asked Tony about that hug. He said: “The two are rivals in the alley but good friends outside. They meet at many bowling competitions in the world and became friends.
“Bowling is not a very big fraternity. One can become friends quite easily,” said Tony.
If I were to choose a picture that symbolises sportsmanship, I would pick the hugging photograph.
One cannot also miss the sight of Shalin’s daughter at the finals. It reminds Karim of the scene when he was bowling with Shalin’s parents a few decades back.
Will we also see Shalin’s daughter continue the family tradition? We shall wait and see.