Commitment name of the game for Shalin

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

At the age of nine, Shalin Zulkifli sat down with her parents and quietly discussed her sporting future.

Although she was active in netball, handball and table tennis, they decided that she would have one main aim: to become the world champion in bowling.

"Bowling was my choice at the suggestion of my parents because the chance to reach the top in Asia and in the world was wide open," said Shalin, who was interviewed during the ABF Tournament of Champions here.

Four years later, her youthful commitment and determination won her a place on the Malaysian senior team.

Now, at age 27, she has reached the top of Asia and the world.

Shalin credits that early decision, the support of her father, Zulkifli Mohd. Ali, and mother, Rohani Razak, both bowlers themselves, as well as the backing of the Malaysian government for her success today.

Being part of the national training center allowed Shalin to focus on developing her skills and physical training, as well as competing in international tournaments.

"In Malaysia, the government fully supports the national team squad with a systematic program and other things, which may not exist in other countries."

Born in London when her father was studying there, she came to prominence at 15, winning two golds in trios and team categories at the 1993 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games.

A year later, Shalin contributed two golds to her country's medal tally at the Asian Games in Hiroshima in the trios and all- events categories.

"I was 16 at that time and had already won a gold in the Asian Games, so it was one of my unforgettable moments."

More success was ahead at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, when she took the prestigious Master's category.

"The Asian Games is the highest multievent for bowlers in Asia. I have no chance to play in the Olympic Games as bowling is not included, so you can imagine my feeling when I won gold in the Asian Games."

In 2003, she won gold in the World Championship in the team category. Except for 2003, when she ranked third, she has been the number one player in Asia since 2000, and was named International Bowler of the Year in 2002.

Despite her achievements, she still has goals to fulfill. She wants to triumph in the World Championship and the World Tenpin Masters in the individual category and the Southeast Asian Games this year.

"I have won gold in the team category in the World Championship and the World Tenpin Masters, but I have yet to win in individual category."

If Shalin, who says her idols are Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, meets her target, her career record will be difficult to replicate by her peers.

Indonesian bowlers Putty Armein and Ryan Lalisang say Shalin's example as one to follow.

"She is a true bowler ... talented and shaped by regular practice and physical training," Ryan said.

"She is also lucky to live in Malaysia, as the Malaysian government supports the national bowlers to participate in international tournaments."

Putty, who got to know Shalin as a youngster when her family resided in Kuala Lumpur, knows she can learn a lot from her friend.

"When I was living in Kuala Lumpur, I knew how hard Shalin trained from being a junior bowler until she became one of the best bowlers in the world," Putty said.

"I always talk to her to improve my skill in bowling."