KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) has called on the National Sports Council (NSC) to maintain its current podium programme athletes while allowing greater participation of backup athletes in next year’s tournaments.
Following the national team’s exceptional performance at the Asian Championships in Bangkok, the bowlers are set to compete in major events, including the Asian Indoor Bowling Championship, World Bowling Championship, and SEA Games next year.
MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok revealed that the coaches plan to prioritise giving backup athletes more exposure in these tournaments.
He emphasised that this strategy would ensure that senior players like Sin Li Jane and Rafiq Ismail stay fit and ready to bring glory to Malaysia at the World Bowling Championship in Hong Kong in November 2025.
“We may adopt a different selection process next year, reserving our top players for the World Championships. Our core players have had a long season and need some rest.
“However, they can’t slow down too much because they still need to compete in the national championship taking place tomorrow.
“We’ll be having a discussion with the coaches after the tournament to determine the best way forward,” said Maradona when met after the 210th OCM executive council meeting at Wisma OCM today.
Maradona expressed the importance of giving backup athletes more opportunities, noting their impressive performance at the Asian Championships, where they helped win medals.
“We have the depth to form two strong teams for next year’s tournaments. Our backup athletes in the NSC are as competitive as the main players, and with more match experience, they can further raise their level.
“Southeast Asia is improving, and we need all our athletes to stay competitive,” he added.
Maradona is also hopeful that the NSC will allow full use of backup athletes and keep the national team in the podium programme without changes.
At the same time, MTBC is set to discuss with the NSC whether to send a senior team to the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games, depending on directives.
“If their priority is for us to win a gold medal (at the 2025 SEA Games), we’ll certainly consider sending our strongest team, but we can also ensure that the team will be balanced with a few backup athletes,” Maradona said.
At the 2021 Hanoi SEA Games, Malaysia won two silver and one bronze medal when bowling was last contested.
Malaysia’s recent success at the Asian Championships saw a historic haul of 17 medals—eight gold, five silver, and four bronze—breaking Taiwan’s record set in 2004.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam), all 12 bowlers from the Asian Championships will receive RM475,000 for their achievements. — September 28, 2024