Back-up bolwer Kar Yen given the nod for Asian Games

National back-up bowler Hee Kar Yen after winning the Masters event at the Milo International Junior All-Stars at Sunway Mega Lanes in Sunway Pyramid last year. - File Pic

PETALING JAYA: National back-up bowler Hee Kar Yen has been included in the 12-member squad for next month’s Incheon Asian Games in South Korea.

She joins Shalin Zulkifli, Esther Cheah, Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi in the women’s team for the Games from Sept 19-Oct 4.

Alex Liew, Adrian Ang, Zulmazran Zulkifli, Mohd Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Rafiq Ismail and Timmy Tan make up the men’s team.
Kar Yen said she was surprised to learn of her inclusion on Monday.

“I was shocked when they told me I made the team ... great news indeed,” said the 23-year-old Kar Yen, a silver medallist in the girls’ singles at the 2012 World Youth Championships.

National coach Holloway Cheah said Kar Yen shouldn’t be shocked to be included in the team.

“She was our best bowler at last year’s Asian Indoor Games at the Anyang Hogye Gymnasium in Incheon, the same venue we will be competing again at the Asiad. She won a team silver. Apart from one or two South Koreans, she performed really well. So, it is no surprise to me to see her inclusion,” said Holloway.

Kar Yen had a injury-plagued year in 2013, suffering injuries to both her knees. But she bounced back brilliantly to win the Masters title at the Milo International Junior All-Stars and the women’s Open title at the Penang Pesta International Championship in December.

Bad luck again struck her in January this year as a lower back injury forced her to miss the roll-off in January. She also missed the National Championships and Inter-State Championships.

An injury-free Kar Yen is now looking forward to prove her pedigree in Incheon.

“It has been a testing year for me especially with the injuries. But I’m ready for the new challenge,” said Kar Yen.

“I did well at the Asian Indoor Games last year, so I definitely want to prove myself again. Bowling is a very fair game with everyone having a shot at the title. So, I just have to go out there and just do my best.”

At the last Asiad in Guangzhou, China, in 2010, Malaysia bagged four medals - two golds, one silver and one bronze.


 by Ashreena Pillai - The Star