34 countries compete in IBF Youth Bowling World Championships in Sarawak from June 27-July 7

Athletes from various countries march during the opening ceremony of the 2026 IBF Youth Bowling World Championships at Megalanes Sarawak in Kuching. Photo credit: UKAS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 28: A total of 34 countries are competing at the 2026 International Bowling Federation (IBF) Youth Bowling World Championships, currently underway at Megalanes Sarawak from June 27 to July 7.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak’s selection as host reflects the international community’s confidence in the State’s capability to stage world-class sporting events.

Abdul Karim photographed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 IBF Youth Bowling World Championships at Megalanes Sarawak in Kuching. Photo credit: UKAS

He said bowling is a sport with strong growth potential, and the Sarawak government will continue to support its development through athlete training programmes, coaching development, competition exposure, facility upgrades and collaboration with sports bodies at both national and international levels.

“The organisation of this championship itself demonstrates that commitment. It gives local young athletes the opportunity to compete with the world’s best players and inspires a new generation of bowlers in Malaysia and the region,” he reportedly said when officiating the opening ceremony at Megalanes Sarawak yesterday (June 27).

Abdul Karim further said his ministry continues to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at boosting participation, developing talent, upgrading sports infrastructure and providing clear pathways for athletes to achieve excellence at all levels.

“The ministry’s role encompasses athlete development, high-performance training, sports governance, as well as the provision of quality sports facilities for current and future generations.

“Our goal is to make Sarawak a sporting powerhouse—not only in tenpin bowling, but in all sports,” he added.

The 2026 IBF Youth Bowling Championships also mark the return of the world championships to Malaysia for the first time since 2003, some 23 years ago.

A total of 34 countries are participating, involving 218 athletes and 132 officials and support staff, bringing the overall number of participants to 350.

For the Asia Zone, participating countries include China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

From Europe, teams are from the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Switzerland, Sweden and Türkiye.

The Pan-America Zone is represented by Canada, Mexico, Peru and the United States, while Oceania comprises Guam, Australia and New Zealand.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, IBF Deputy President Marios Nicolaides, Malaysia Tenpin Bowling Congress President Dato Najeeb Abdullah, Sarawak Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association (ABAS) President Sunny Si Poh Heng and Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim. — DayakDaily