Shalin Zulkifli

SHALIN ZULKIFLI

Shalin Zulkifli is a Malaysia professional ten pin bowler and former Asian Number 1. She has played and won various national and international tournaments.

Shalin was born in North Islington, England in 1978 but spent her childhood in Kuala Lumpur. She began bowling at the age of 9 and joined the national bowling team in the late 1980s.

In 1991, Shalin was named Selangor’s Most Promising Sporstgirl of the Year, and in 1994 became the youngest player and first Malaysian to win the Ladies Open of the Kent Malaysian All-Stars.

Shalin holds a degree in Sports Science that specializes in Sports Psychology and Coaching. She currently owns and runs a Tenpin Bowling Alley in Petaling Jaya.

Let’s take a look at Shalin’s Achievements.

- Malaysian Sportswoman Award (1997, 1996, 1994, 2001 & 2002)

- Malaysian National Champion (1996, 2001, 2002 & 2003)

- Malaysian Olympian Award (1994 & 1999)

- Asian Number 1 Rank (2000, 2001, 2002 & 2004)

- International Bowler of the Year (2002)

- International Bowling Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)

I want to know more about bowling.

Where do I get coaching?

If you are between age 12 to 18, you can join the Youth Development programme managed jointly by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) and the National Sports Council (NSC) of Malaysia.

What do I need?

1. Bowling Balls

In any sport, equipment is an important part of a successful and enjoyable game. In tenpin bowling, the most important equipment is the bowling ball.

All bowling centers provide "house balls". The bowling balls weigh from as low as 1 kg for the kids to as much as 3 kg for the stronger ones.

If you intend to take up tenpin bowling in a more serious manner, it is suggested that you purchase your very own bowling ball.

2. Bowling Shoes

Special bowling shoes are necessary for tenpin bowling. You cannot wear your favourite "Rebok" or "Adidas" sports shoe for bowling at a center near you. However, you are allowed to rent bowling shoes from the bowling center.

3. Bowling Bags

Now that you have a bowling ball and a pair of shoes, you will need a bag to store them. There are bags which has a strap and can be carried by the shoulder. It usually has room for one ball and a pair of shoe.

4. Accessories

There are many types of accessories for an aspiring bowler. They are:

i. Hand Guard - This is useful for those who have a weak wrist. They help you to provide the necessary strength to roll the ball with greater speed.

ii. Hand Gloves - Gloves are useful for those who sweat in their hands. Using gloves will prevent the ball slipping from your hands.

HAPPY BOWLING