INCHEON: National shooter Muhammad Ezuan Nasir Khan lost the the men’s 50m rifle prone gold by just 0.60 points, but he is not complaining.
After all, the Royal Malaysian Navy officer just squeezed into the eight-man final after finishing eighth in the qualifying rounds at the Ongnyeon International Shooting Range. He pipped ninth-placed Ratmir Mindiyarov of Kazakhstan by 0.30 points.
After reaching the final, the 25-year-old Ezuan produced his A game to collect 208.50 points for the silver.
Zhao Shengbo gunned down a new Games record of 209.10 points to win the gold for China. South Korea’s Park Bong-duk was a distant third with a 186.60 total.
“It was a tight battle in the final and I gave my best, but the opponent (Shengbo) did slightly better to win the gold. I’m happy to win my first international medal,” said an ecstatic Ezuan, who is from Kampong Baru in Kuala Lumpur.
“I’ve no complaints as my scoring was almost perfect in the final. A lot of people had written off our chances here, but we managed to prove them wrong.”
Ezuan is certainly glad he managed to persevere in the sport. He nearly call it quits in 2012 following a back injury. He was called up to join the national team last year after some good performances in the local circuit.
Ezuan’s silver is only Malaysia’s second in the men’s competition in the Asiad after a lapse of 28 years. Peter Lim was second in the trap event in Seoul in 1986.
“My father (Nasir Khan Abdul Rahman) is going to be the happiest person around. I also owe my succcess to the Royal Malaysian Navy and Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar,” said Ezuan.
“When I wanted to quit because of my injury they managed to dissuade me. I also need to thank my coach Saidov Isroil. He has always believed in me and my ability.”
For Ezuan, he still has a chance to add to his silver tally. He will compete in the 50m rifle three positions tomorrow.
To date, the Malaysian shooters have won two silvers and a bronze. Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi contributed the other silver in the women’s air rifle prone on Wednesday.
Suryani also picked up a bronze with Nur Ayuni Abdul Halim and Muslifah Zulkifli in the team event.
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