Saudi women out to use championship debut as springboard to success
The Saudi Arabia women’s team have vowed they will only get better after their first appearance at the Arab Bowling Championship.
The team of four finished in fifth spot in the team event but are hopeful that the experience could prove to be a springboard to future success and greater participation of Saudi women.
The competition was won by the hosts Egypt, with Oman claiming silver and Bahrain the bronze. But even though they ended their first participation in the tournament out of medal contention, the team were happy with how it went and hopeful for the future.
“It was an amazing experience; everyone was very supportive,” Mashael Abdulwahid, who has been playing since her childhood, said.
“I was overwhelmed on the first day because of the attendance of many high officials and many professional athletes. It was the first time to be in such an atmosphere but I got over it now.
“I learned a lot and will work on my mistakes to make it better next time.”
Dana Alfaraj, the youngest team member, said they did not know how good the other competitors were.
“We are happy we got this chance and happy the Saudi federation is very supportive. We will work hard to make our country proud, it’s a huge responsibility and we are up to it,” she said.