Underperforming senior shooters must improve to stay in national squad

GLASGOW: After their underwhelming performance in the Commonwealth Games, the senior shooters will have to come good in the next two majors if they want to keep their places in the national team.

A review of the national team is expected to be carried out after the SEA Games in Singapore next June.

At the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, seniors like Hasli Izwan Amir Hasan, Mohd Khalel Abdullah, Bibiana Ng, Joseline Cheah and Muslifah Zulkifli struggled to keep pace with the top shooters from India, England and Australia.

They have a good chance to make amends at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept 19-Oct 4.

Before the Asiad, the shooters will head to Granada, Spain, for the World Championships from Sept 6-20.

Hazli, who finished fifth in the 25m rapid fire event, for which he won a silver four years ago in New Delhi, agreed that he failed to deliver the goods.

“We lack competitions that test our mental strength at home. The local competitions do not really put pressure on us. So, when we come to majors, we struggle,” claimed Hasli.

“I also need to review my own game. It is not about changing the coach but changing the way I handle the pressure during competitions.

“I know there will be a review of our performances after this. Hopefully, I will get another chance to prove myself.”