By Amiril Muttaqien Meketar
PETALING JAYA, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- With the 2025 World Cup fast approaching, national kegler Natasha Mohamed Roslan is setting her sights on a strong start to the new season while pursuing a clear and ambitious goal.
The World Cup, scheduled from Jan 5 to 14 at the newly built Top Bowl Tenpin Bowling Centre in Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon, Hong Kong, is more than just another tournament.
The venue will also host the 2025 World Championships from Nov 24 to Dec 6, giving Natasha an invaluable opportunity to adapt to the environment and conditions ahead of her title defence later this year.
While her primary aim is to bring home a medal from the World Cup, the 28-year-old views the competition as an ideal warm-up for the World Championships.
“Playing there will give us insights into the environment, including the temperature -- whether it’s warm or cold -- which affects aspects like thumb grip size,” she told Bernama during a recent training session.
Natasha will compete in the women’s singles and team events alongside Asian top bowler Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Gillian Lim
On the men’s side, Malaysia will field a formidable lineup, including former world champion Muhammad Rafiq Ismail, Timmy Tan, Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam and Ahmad Muaz Mohd Fishol.
Natasha said the team event was her priority as everyone would be able to share a podium finish and return home happily.
Despite the inevitable pressures of a new season, Natasha remains focused on maintaining her momentum.
“The pressure is always there, especially with others targeting the World Championships, but I will do my best,” she said.
Reflecting on 2024, Natasha described it as a remarkable year. She was crowned 2023 Sportswoman of the Year at the National Sports Award in June, named 2023 Selangor Sportswoman in October, and received the Ahli Kegemilangan Sukan Selangor (A.K.S) award during the 79th birthday celebrations of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, last month.
-- BERNAMA
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