NSAM sets four-gold target in Laos

Ajitpal Singh

THE National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM) has opted for quality instead of quantity by naming only 14 shooters for December's Sea Games in Laos.

Despite the small number, the association is confident the squad will achieve its four-gold medal target. Malaysia will only compete in 10 of the 17 shooting events at the biennial games.

NSAM executive secretary Mej (rtd) Jasni Shaari said the association only selected shooters who qualified on merit.

"We are not sending shooters under Category 'B' as it will be a waste of time. The selected shooters, if they perform well, will win medals in Laos," said Jasni after naming the squad at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

NSAM executive secretary Mej (rtd) Jasni Shaari (centre) poses with Laos-bound shooters in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Pic AIZUDDIN SAAD

In the 2007 Korat edition, Malaysia won two gold (men's 25-metre rapid fire pistol, women's 50m rifle prone), three silver and five bronze medals.

The return of pistol shooters Bibiana Ng, Joseline Cheah and Nur Masitah Badrin from a two-year doping suspension is also a plus-point for Malaysia to meet the four-gold target.

"Most of our medals will come from the women. The rifle team led by Nur Suryani Taibi and the pistol team, marshaled by Bibiana, are our main hopes for gold.

"We are also hoping for our men's pistol shooters, led by Hasli Izwan Amir Hasan, to win one gold in the rapid fire event.," added Jasni.

Jasni said the association will not have any last-minute inclusions.

"We have the best shooters in the squad. They will compete for 20 out of 34 gold medals in Laos," he added.

The national shooters will compete in the Tun Haniff Trophy (Oct 15-18), SEASA Championships (Bangkok - Oct 29-Nov 9) and the National Shooting Competition (Nov 18-22) ahead of the Sea Games.