Sukma XXI: Sabah secures lawn bowls gold through the men’s Fours event

KUCHING (Aug 23): Sarawak undoubtedly has become a happy hunting ground for Sabah lawn bowlers.

After missing out on top podium finishes in the 2018 and 2022 Malaysia Games (Sukma), the state squad successfully won a gold this time around through the men’s Fours event.

In addition, Sabah also added two silvers on the last day of competition today for the overall tally of one gold, two silvers and one bronze.

“We have fond memories of Sarawak,” said an elated Sabah Lawnbowls Association (Bowls Sabah) president Shuib Hashim.

“The last time we won a Sukma gold was in 2016 when Sarawak were the hosts. We did it again eight years later here in Sarawak.

“In fact we won one more silver this time around than in 2016. We could not be happier…congratulations to the players, team officals and all who have contributed to the success,” added Shuib.

The men’s Fours comprising Asmirul Arispadillah, Asnirul Arispadillah, Elldy Maxcanzie Zosmi, Mohammad Raihan Norkizan and reserve Nur Azami Azlie were in top form as they denied Perak by winning the final 15-9.

“We were very happy to win gold. Apart from Asmirul, the rest of the team are competing in our first Sukma.

“It was tough but we gave it our best out there to deliver gold for Sabah,” said team leader Elldy.

Sabah were also involved in two finals but the women’s Triples featuring Adilah Justine, Nur Zarifah Wajihah Zaidi, Nurnajmi Jannah Jali @ Jalit and reserve Nurafeqah Qhalisah Alham surrendered their lead midway into the final to lose 10-16.

It was the same story for men’s Singles player Muhammad Afif Aiman Mohd Affendy who were leading 12-7 at one time but Johor’s national player Amirul Danial Abdul Rahim showed his prowess to turn the tables on the former 21-15 to take the gold.

The women’s Fours team comprising Adilah, Nur Zarifah, siblings Nuremilda Jazeemi and Nurnajmi Jannah, and Nurafeqah delivered the bronze after beating Kedah 10-7 on August 16.