MTBC lauds Sarawak’s commitment to bowling development

KUCHING (Feb 2): Malaysia Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary Maradona Chok has commended Sarawak for its strong commitment to hosting quality bowling events and developing the sport.

Amateur Bowling (Tenpin) Association of Sarawak (Abas) president Sunny Si Poh Heng and his executive committee were lauded for leadership.

“For the fifth consecutive year, Abas, together with Megalanes Sarawak and with strong support from the Sarawak Sports Corporation, has successfully hosted the Sarawak Hornbill Team Cup tenpin bowling championships. This is truly commendable and reflects excellent teamwork and commitment,” he said at the closing ceremony at Megalanes Sarawak, Emart Batu Kawa on Sunday.

This year’s edition attracted 40 teams, including international participants from Hong Kong, Singapore Sports School and Brunei, as well as teams from across Malaysia.

The tournament’s team-based format was highlighted as setting it apart from most open championships.

“This format allows bowlers to compete in an environment similar to major events such as the SEA Games, Asian Games and World Championships. It provides invaluable exposure, especially for developing athletes, to compete as a unit and uphold team spirit at the highest level,” Chok said.

Looking ahead, he pointed out that Sarawak’s reputation as a premier host would be further enhanced when Megalanes Sarawak stages the 2026 IBF World Youth Championships from June 27 to July 7.

“This is a strong testament to Sarawak’s proven capability to host world-class sporting events, made possible through the solid backing of the Sarawak Government,” he added.

Maradona also acknowledged Sarawak’s contribution to the national bowling scene, citing national bowlers Gillian Lim Siew Giok, Nur Hazirah Ramli and Gordon Tsen Fan Yew as products of the state’s development programmes.

He further noted Sarawak’s role in Team Para Malaysia’s success at the recent Asean Para Games in Bangkok, where Sarawak para bowlers Abang Yahya Abang Azhar, Marcos Chanh Hao Hong and Wong Kee Soon helped the nation secure six gold, seven silver and one bronze medals.

“Congratulations to Abas on a job well done. We look forward to many more successful tournaments in Sarawak and to the continued growth of tenpin bowling in the region,” he said.

Also present were Abas deputy president Saifulbahri Shukri, vice president Robert Lu, Sarawak Sports Corporation acting head of sports development Dedia Serini and Perkata deputy principal Georgina Paul Bronnie.