Coach unperturbed by jaded form of shooters

By RAJES PAUL

PETALING JAYA: None of the SEA Games-bound shooters broke national records in the national cham­­­­pionships in Subang last week.

But it did not get national rifle coach Saidou Israel all worked out. He is more concerned with the well-being of the shooters, who have been on their toes for the last two weeks.

Prior to the national meet, the team competed in the South-East Asian Shooting Association (SEASA) championships and returned with a glorious medal haul of 8-4-15.

Israel said he would take it easy with the shooters in centralised training in Langkawi, which began on Tuesday.

“They looked jaded and tired during the national meet. In fact, the bulk of the shooters were either sick or recovering from it,” said Israel.

“I will let them take it easy over the next few days. The training will be geared towards relaxing their muscles. I will probably let them have some time in the pool and conduct light physical training. The shooters need this if they are to be fresh in Laos.”

Israel also hoped that the team would be supported with a full-time doctor for local and international assignments, beginning with the SEA Games.

“Most of the top shooting teams in the world, among them Russia, Ukraine and the United States, have their own team doctor,” he said.

“These doctors are not only mere physicians but they also has the knowledge of doping matters. Everyday, there is something new about sports medicine and this form of support (engaging a full-time doctor) will be of a great help to the athletes and coaches.”

“Hopefully, the NSAM (National Shooting Association of Malaysia) and NSI (National Sports Institute) will look into this.

“We are happy with the other professional support that we currently get – physical trainer, psychologist and nutritionist.”

At the national meet, several Vientiane-bound shooters showed they are on the right track. Among them are Hasli Izwan Amir Hasan (pistol); Bibiana Ng and Joseline Cheah (pistol); Nur Ayuni Farhana Abdul Hamid, Shahera Rahim Raja and Nur Suryanu Taibi (rifle). STAR