KUCHING, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- It was business as usual for the Pahang shooting squad when they reaffirmed their Malaysia Games (SUKMA) supremacy, setting a record for the longest overall title streak of 16 years since 2008.
Shooting events at the 21st SUKMA concluded yesterday with Pahang once again stamping their authority, amassing 12 gold medals, five silver, and four bronze, but the surprise of the competition were Negeri Sembilan, also showing strong results by taking home 12 gold, three silver and four bronze.
During the event at the Sarawak Shooting Range, Pahang excelled in Air Pistol events, while Negeri Sembilan dominated in Air Rifle competitions.
Pahang marksman Cheah Zen Hong and Negeri Sembilan’s Gan Chen Jie will surely now be in the running for the SUKMA 2024 sportsman and sportswoman titles after both spectacularly gunned their way to seven golds each in the air pistol and air rifle events.
Pahang shooting coach, Elena Sotnik, who has been guiding the state shooting squad since 1999, praised her team's dedication and their ability to surpass their gold medal targets.
“I always remind my athletes to stay focused until the last shot and to never give up. I commend the Pahang shooters for their strong discipline and their clear understanding of what it takes to succeed,” she said.
Elena, originally from Russia, was pleasantly surprised by her team’s clean sweep of gold medals in the pistol events.
In a remarkable show of commitment, she promised to shave her head if her team retained their championship title.
“The pistol team fulfilled their promise with exceptional dedication. I am confident they will continue to achieve great success.
“I promised them that if they won gold and defended their title, I would shave my head, and I will keep this promise in Kuantan,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
