KUCHING: The Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABAS) concluded 2024 on a high note, celebrating numerous achievements across championships, athlete development, and leadership recognition.
Throughout the year, Sarawak’s bowlers shone on national and international stages, solidifying the state’s status as a powerhouse in the sport.
“This year, our athletes have achieved remarkable success at the 42nd Malaysia International Open Bowling Championship and Kuala Lumpur International Bowling Championship.
“Our main achievement is Sarawak’s dominance at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, where the bowling team secured five gold, one silver, and two bronze medals—marking their fifth consecutive overall championship victory,” ABAS Vice President Robert Lu Nam Min said at Megalanes Sarawak, Emart Batu Kawa yesterday (Dec 30).
Among the standouts was Gillian Lim Siew Geok, who clinched back-to-back Women’s Open titles at the Malaysia International Open Bowling Championship and Malaysian National Championships, earning her a spot in the national Podium squad.
Lavinia Kho Jia Jie and SUKMA star Nur Hazirah Ramli also brought glory, with Lavinia excelling at the Kuala Lumpur International Championship and Nur Hazirah representing Malaysia at the World Youth Cup in Peru.
In addition to championship achievements, the association showcased its organizational prowess by organizing key events such as the Sarawak Hornbill Team Cup, the Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship, and the SSC-ABAS Senator Inter-School Bowling Programme, which drew participants from over 50 schools.
On the management front, Lu shared that ABAS President Sunny Si Poh Heng made history as the first Sarawakian elected Deputy President of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC).
“Our success is driven by the teamwork of players, coaches, and parents, along with support from the Sarawak government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), and sponsors.
“Their support enables us to bring the latest advancements to the game and position Sarawak as a model to modernize and develop the sport nationwide,” he said.
Looking ahead, ABAS plans to send bowlers to the Korea International Open for the first time as part of their development program and to provide players exposure to more international competitions.
In addition, Lu said that the association will propose including tenpin bowling in the Borneo Games to ensure the sport’s continued growth.
