KUCHING: Discussions are underway between the federal and state governments about holding half of the 2027 SEA Games competitions in Sarawak.
Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said talks are proceeding on the sports to be organised in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur.
In this respect he hoped Megalanes Sarawak in Batu Kawa will be chosen as the tenpin bowling venue for the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia.
“One of the sports we hope to host in Sarawak is tenpin bowling,” he said.
He added this is because the state has good facilities that can be used for the SEA Games.
“I am excited to see tenpin bowling happening in Kuching,” he said at the closing of the Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship (SIOTBC) 2024 at Megalanes Sarawak, Batu Kawa, on Saturday.
Abdul Karim said that the Sarawak government always encourages sports associations and NGOs to hold more international sports championships to promote development and elevate the standard of sports in the state.
“This aligns with the ministry’s vision to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse in the country.
“With Sarawak’s state-owned airline set to be established next year and an expanding air connectivity network, we aim to organise more international sports events,” he said.
Meanwhile, national athlete Ahmad Azriq Izamuddin, part of the National Podium Squad, secured victory at SIOTBC 2024 by defeating his rival Jonovan Neo Ze Min from Trinity Academy Singapore in the final of the Open category (Last Man Standing).
Ahmad Azriq bowled down 192 pins to win the cash prize of RM20,000 and a trophy.
As for Jonovan, who scored 174 pins, he was pleased to win RM10,000 along with a trophy.
Muhammad Syazirol Shamsuddin, part of the National Podium Squad, secured third place, winning RM5,000 and a trophy.
Meanwhile, Nabil Aiman Mantaib emerged as the champion of the Open Masters category with a score of 2002 pins, followed by Muhammad Syazirol (1944) in second place and Jonovan Neo in third place (1927).
In the Classified Master category, Sarawak’s athlete Chong Jun Foo (ABAS) was crowned the champion with a score of 2096 pins, followed by Muhammad Hafiz Darwisy Azhlan (Penang / MMBC) in second place and Edric Lim Xian Jun from Singapore’s Trinity Academy in third place.
The Under 25 Years category (Stepladder) saw Muhammad Hafiz Darwisy Azhlan (Penang / MMBC) crowned champion, followed by Tsen Fan Yew in second place and Nabil Aiman Mantaib in third.
In the Men’s Senior category, representatives from Singapore, Rick Tan and Adam Chew Yin Choi, clinched first and second place respectively, while Robert Lu (ABAS) secured third place.
Meanwhile, Datin Rakia’Ah Ali claimed the champion title in the Senior Women’s category, with Michelle Wong and Datin Zarina Halim following in third place.
