Shalin in 1Malaysia drive

2009/11/04

Ajitpal Singh

SHALIN Zulkifli will have the "1Malaysia" logo on her attire when she competes in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Women's Tour in the United States in January.

This came about after nine companies from the private sector contributed a total of RM74,000 to Shalin for her expenses in the US at a function in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Deputy Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim, who witnessed the presentation, said the companies have agreed to the proposal to have Shalin use the "1Malaysia" logo instead of their respective logos.

Apex Communications group of companies provided the biggest sum of RM30,000 while other contributions came from Sum Hup Piling, RT Resources, Ann Lee Aluminium Works, LN Makmur, Infotech Distribution Systems. KAA Travel and Tours, DMG and Power Technologies.

"Shalin has been involved with bowling for 22 years and made history by becoming the first Asian to qualify for the PBA Women's Tour last season. It shows her commitment to the country is beyond question," said Razali.

Shalin expressed her thanks to the parties involved in supporting her for upcoming tournaments in the US.

Shalin Zulkifli poses with mock cheques from the private sector to finance her participation in the US PBA Women’s Tour yesterday. — Pic: OSMAN ADNAN

"The National Sports Council has been helping to finance my participation in the PBA Women's Tour but they can only help to a certain extent as I am a professional.

"The council has commitments to the national squad. I am glad the private sector have come forward. It will spur me to perform better on the tour," said the 31-year-old who will compete in five tournaments when the tour resumes in January.

On her experience on the PBA Tour, Shalin said it has been trying times for her since turning professional last year.

"At first, I went through tough situations to qualify for the tour. It is very competitive. You are on your own. There is no one to help you. As a pro, you need to analyse your game and make improvements," she said.

Shalin's target will be to win a PBA title when the tour resumes.