Sarawak tenpin bowling team secures fifth consecutive Sukma championship title

KUCHING (Aug 24): The journey for the Sarawak tenpin bowling team has been a story of unwavering commitment, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

In the Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) this year, Sarawak’s warriors have risen to the challenge and secured five gold, one silver and two bronze medals to finish as the overall champions.

It was also their fifth consecutive title since Sukma Perlis in 2014 and the sixth time as Sukma overall champions (2012, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024).

Tenpin bowling was one of the best performing teams for Sarawak after aquatics, taekwondo, athletics, muaythai and petanque. The bowlers had also surpassed the three-gold medal target.

The gold medals were won in the women’s singles Nur Hazirah Ramli, women’s doubles Nur Hazirah and Lavinia Kho Jia Jie, mixed doubles Nur Hazirah and Gordon Tsen Fan Yew, women’s trios Nur Hazirah, Lavinia Kho and Asya Dania Azree, and Gorden Tsen in the Men’s Masters.

Muhammad Ihsan Fikri Suffian and Claudia Kumang Jakson contributed the silver in the mixed doubles, whereas the bronzes came from the men’s team of five through Gordon Tsen, Ethan Damien Goh, Cornelius Aldhem Sajat, Muhammad Isyrad Iqbal Ramadhan, Eldred Yek and Muhammad Ihsan, and women’s team of five through Nur Hazirah, Lavinia Kho, Claudia Kumang, Asya Dania and Dayang Yuri Azreen Abang Azman.

Head coach Angelo Koay, who took over the reins from Jackson Ting this Sukma, said the team did pretty alright overall but wished it could be better to contribute more towards Sarawak gold medal tally and prayed that it will be enough to end that 30-year wait for Sarawak to be crowned as overall champion in Sukma.

“We all knew from the start that it was not going to be easy with seven debutants in the squad and with the whole country’s rise in standard of bowling.

“Well done to the other states as seen in the medal tally for bowling was well spread,” he told The Borneo Post.

“The teams, coaches, officials, parents and support staff gave it their all and left nothing out there for six days of intense competition.

“There is nothing more that I can ask from them and I am grateful for each and everyone of them.

“Proudness is what I hold in my heart as I watch them grow and take on the stage in one of the toughest, fiercest games – the Malaysian Games XXI Sarawak,” said Koay.

“Over the many years and the many different groups of individuals brought together by a common cause to fight as a team.

“The beauty of the journey for all that was involved was coming in as individuals, toiling together as a team and loyal in the fight for the glory of Sarawak as a family. That is the true meaning of being a Sarawakian – the Sengalang Sarawak family way,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, a Sarawak Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association (Abas) official who wished to remain anonymous, regarded the victories of the Sarawak team as not just a reflection of their hard work but also the collective effort of everyone involved including parents, supporters, coaches, officials, and the dedicated management of the association.

“Our athletes, many starting their journey even before they turned nine years old, were nurtured, trained, and guided with the spirit of the mighty Sengalang bird, known for its strength and endurance.

“Every cheer, every bit of encouragement from parents and supporters, and every piece of wisdom from coaches played a part in shaping these champions,” he said.

According to the official, this success would not have been possible without the tireless commitment of our coaches and officials who invested their time, energy and expertise.

“To the management and everyone behind the scenes, your role in creating this winning environment is invaluable.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we’re reminded that Sengalang Sarawak is more than just a team. It’s a community built on trust, dedication, and a shared vision,” he added.