Shalin and Nicol can be most successful athlete in Asiad

PUTRAJAYA: They are household names in their respective sports. And come next week, bowler Shalin Zulkifli and squash queen Nicol David have a chance to etch their names in Asian Games sporting history as the most successful Malaysian athletes of all time. 

Shalin and Nicol, who will be the country’s flagbearer in Incheon, South Korea, have both won four gold medals each at the Asian Games – the same as track legend Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan and badminton ace Ng Boon Bee. 

Jegathesan leads the individual medal tally with 4-2-1, with doubles specialist Boon Bee and Shalin tied on 4-1-2 and Nicol on 4-1-0. 

The 36-year-old Shalin has promised to give her best to cap her glittering career with a gold in what will be a record sixth appearance. 

Shalin was only 16 when she made a golden debut in Hiroshima back in 1994 – taking gold with Lydia Kwah and Shirley Chow in the women’s trios as well as triumphing in the All-events. 

“I have more chances in Incheon (as she is competing in the singles, doubles, trios, team, All-events and Masters) and I need just one more golden strike,” said Shalin, who is now a mother of one. 

“It will be really awesome for our sports if Nicol and I can win. It will also be good for the profile of female athletes since no Malaysian athlete has won five gold medals in the Asiad. 

“I was the flagbearer in Busan in 2002 and I won the Masters gold ... I hope Nicol can do the same in Incheon.” 

Having never missed the Asian Games since joining national team two decades ago, Shalin is thankful at being able to go for another one. 

“I have had to put in extra effort in training to fight with the younger bowlers, which is not easy as I have a family now,” said Shalin, who won a bronze in the team event in Guangzhou four years ago. 

“But I’ve always believed in my abilities. The singles on the first day is a touch-and-go affair. If I do well, I know I have the pace for the remaining events to come.” 

As for Nicol, she actually stands a good chance at earning two golds to make it total haul of six. 

The 31-year-old from Penang is the hot favourite to claim a fourth individual gold medal in five Asiad outings and then go for her sixth with Low Wee Wern, Delia Arnold and national junior Vanessa Raj in the team event. 

“I have never really thought about this (becoming the most successful Malaysian athlete in Asian Games history) but just to give my best shot,” said Nicol, who bagged two gold medals in Guangzhou two years ago. 

“My preparation leading up to the Asian Games began before the Commonwealth Games. I feel my condition is very good to face the Asian Games. 

“We have a good team, just like four years ago. 

“I’m happy with the honour of being the flagbearer. It completes my Asian Games experience.”