KUCHING: Due to his passion for military-themed movies, Negeri Sembilan shooter Mustaqim Hanif developed a keen interest in shooting as a sport.
It has proven to be the right choice as the 21-year-old is now a Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medallist.
Mustaqim dominated the men's individual 50 metre prone event, scoring 584 points to top the competition at the Sarawak Shooting Range today.
Ahmad Fahmi Ammar Rahim (Melaka), who won silver on 579, while bronze went to Pahang's Ahmad Zaffin Kushairie (578).
"I love watching military movies and am fascinated by shooting scenes. One day, my neighbour asked if I was interested in joining the sport (shooting)," said Mustaqim.
"It sounded quite interesting so I went to Mantin to give it a try and fell in love with it.
"I fully committed to training and after five months I competed in the National Championships in 2019 and managed to finish third."
Mustaqtim said winning gold this time made up for the disappointment he felt after walking away from the Kuala Lumpur Sukma two years ago with only a bronze in the team event.
"I am proud to win the gold. I have to thank my parents and my coach (Abdul Mutalib Abdul Razak) for guiding me. He placed a lot of emphasis on fitness to ensure I would perform well at Sukma this time," said the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia student.
Mustaqim, together with teammates Amar Syawal Abdul Mutalib and Muhammad Azman Mohd Ridzuan, also helped Negri retain silver (1,724) in the team event.
Negri's other team comprising Hairiz Haiqal Ramlan, Fikhri Hafiy Mohd Fazley and Ahmad Zaffin Kushairie Mohd Azman claimed the gold on 1,731.
Terengganu (Julfitri Firdaus Mohamad Jazli Shafizan, Muhammad Adam Firdaus Mohd Azrol, Muhammad Firdaus Zamri) took the bronze (1,714).