MTBA hopeful Miri bowlers given chance to represent Sarawak
Miri Tenpin Bowling Association (MTBA) is maintaining hope that its developing players will be selected to represent Sarawak in the coming Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 and other tournaments this year.
The association said it was pleased with the development of the sport here, after its player Afiq Khazin placed third in the MTBA Miri Open Bowling Championship at Megalane East Miri Megamall last weekend.
Afiq’s 1,496 pinfalls put him behind champion Melvin Gilbert who recorded 1,542 pinfalls, and second-placed Norhazaidi Tahir’s 1,535 pinfalls.
“MTBA hopes Abas Miri players will be given the opportunity to represent Sarawak in Sukma 2024,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The competition, in the format of seven games, was participated by players from Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu and Brunei.
National Sports Council (MSN) Miri officer Abdul Ajis Kon, who officiated the tournament, said MSN, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (Abas) have sent two coaches to train players in Miri since the end of last year.
“We look forward to the duo attracting many new players, apart from training current players,” he said, adding he is looking forward to Miri producing top-notch players in the future.
Meanwhile, MTBA president Nasiruddin Mosni said the association is grateful to MSN, SSC and Abas for taking notice of the lack of proper coaches, and will fully cooperate in further developing the sport especially in northern Sarawak.
In this regard, he called on local youngsters interested to learn how to bowl to turn up at Megalane East Miri Megamall.