THE National Shooting Championships, starting today, is the first qualification competition for next year's Laos Sea Games.

National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM) executive secretary Mej Jasni Shaari said shooters will need to surpass the silver medal mark of the Korat Sea Games to qualify for Laos.

"Qualification normally starts during the Sea Games year but we decided to add the national event in order to give ample time for shooters to qualify," said Jasni yesterday.

"We also hope that our junior shooters will make their mark here and other events next year for the Laos assignment."

Most of the national shooters, except for Bibiana Ng, Joseline Cheah and Siti Nur Masitah Mohd Badrin -- who are still serving two-year suspensions for doping violations -- will be in action at the Subang Shooting Range.
National pistol shooter Hazli Izwan Amir Hasan will also be making his first competitive appearance since the Beijing Olympic Games in August.

Meanwhile, 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games gold medalist Nurul Hudda Baharin has been appointed as assistant coach for rifle.

She will be assisting rifle coach Saidou Isrial of Belarus.

"She is an experienced shooter and shooters will certainly benefit a lot training under her," Jasni said. -- AJITPAL SINGH