Growing popularity of bocce in Malaysia

KOTA BHARU: The name ‘bocce’ may not be familiar to many people in Malaysia but the game is gaining popularity in many Asian countries with a growing fan base.

It is noteworthy that a Malaysian quartet of 17-yearolds - Ameer Haiqal Mohd Faisal, Nor Alia Sufiah Mohd Shaufi, Adam Danial Sukri and Nik Nur Solehah Sakrani - recently created history when they picked up the gold medal at the Asia Oceania Junior Championship held in Putrajaya last Sept.

According to the Malaysian Sport Boules Bocce Federation president Razali Wan Zain, bocce which is also known as bocci or boccie is a ball sport in the ‘boul’ family with some resemblance to the game of petanque. Developed in Italy, bocce is played mainly in Europe and elsewhere where

Italians have migrated including Australia, North America and South America.

“It also has educational elements because it requires the player to make quick decisions, while at the same time, teaching him patience.

“The sport also does not involve any body contact, is suitable for people of all ages, and is not dangerous,” he told Bernama when met here yesterday a er conducting a training session on Bocce to 20 teachers.

The national federation is constantly looking for fresh talents and players in state and national competitions to promote the game in Malaysia.

There are currently eight states with Bocce associations with a total membership of almost 100 aged between eight to 63. — Bernama