By Arfandi Jaafar
National duty for three Sabahan keglers
KOTA KINABALU: Three Sabahan keglers are representing the country at a major international bowling event happening in Kuching, Sarawak, beginning this week.
Nevern Netaneel Marcellinus and twin sisters Nurul Alyssa and Nurul Ayuuni Junaidi are among those selected by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress to don national colours at the 20th Asian Youth Championships.
The eight-day event which started yesterday features top players from 10 countries across Asia including Australia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
And the Sabahan trio are making their debut on the big stage after coming under national training in Bukit Jalil following their achievements at the Malaysia Games in Perak, last year.
“We are very proud of their debut and we wish them all the best. They are now playing among Asia’s top young bowlers and we are very excited to see them shine,” said state coach Ricky Loh, yesterday.
Last year, Nevern and Nurul Alyssa came under the spotlight after winning the men’s and women’s singles gold in the country’s largest biennial sporting carnival.
“We hope they can win the singles in this Asian championship. Aside from the singles, they are also competing in the doubles, team event of four, all-events and masters categories,” Loh said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Sports Council director Mohd Asneh Mohd Noor congratulated the trio for being selected to the squad.
“Hopefully, they can make Malaysia proud,” he said, while adding that each player received an allocation of RM1,000 for representing the country.