SUKMA 2024: Loyal Servant Elena the Key To Pahang’s Shooting Prowess

By Nursyabiha Sukri

KUCHING, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Russian coach Elena Sotnik has created history by training the Pahang shooting team in the pistol event for more than two decades since 1999.

And the 62-year-old has only enhanced her reputation by helping Pahang become overall shooting champions for 14 years in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

 Elena, who is fluent in Malay, is confident that the state’s shooters can continue to excel in this year’s edition here.

“It never crossed my mind to move to another state or train other shooters, including the national squad, although I was never short of offers.

“These athletes are like my children, we are one big family. I am proud of the fact that my former shooters have made a good career in shooting… some even became national coaches,” she said at the Sarawak Shooting Range here.

Elena has trained many national shooters, including national coach Mohamad Firdaus Abd Rahim who now coaches Olympic shooter Johnathan Wong.

Elena is also an ‘important individual’ in Pahang’s success in dominating shooting for 24 years in the 25-metre (m) standard pistol men’s team event in SUKMA after they defended the gold medal at this year’s edition yesterday.

The Russian coach attributed the team’s continued success to instilling family values and getting the cooperation of all involved.

“There’s no favouritism… everyone is treated the same way. That is the secret to our success. A positive support system is important,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pahang shooting team also stole the show with the presence of ‘Tatoshka’, Elena’s blue-coloured elephant stuffed toy, here.

Elena said that she has always taken the toy with her to all competitions since 2008, including SUKMA, as a way to motivate the team.

“This toy has sentimental value as it’s a gift from someone. Each time there is a championship, I will take it along with me and my athletes would ask ‘coach, where’s Tatoshka?” she said.

-- BERNAMA