Holloway to unleash eight youngsters at national meet

PETALING JAYA: National chief coach Holloway Cheah’s young fledglings are ready to fly.

The 69-year-old Holloway has been in charge of a special squad comprising raw Under-16 talents since January last year. And now he will unleash all the eight youngsters at the National Bowling Championships in Pyramid Mega Lanes here from March 10-17.

Holloway, who is assisted by Steven Teng, is thrilled to bits with the formation and progress of the group.

He revealed that the formation of the teamwas mooted by Datuk Dr P.S. Nathan, the president of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC).

“He wanted me to mould and drill them using the South Korean style of training, which focuses on power play.

“Discipline and diligence is also emphasised. Before we take the youngsters in, we made it clear to their parents of the responsibilities and commitment required to join the programme.

“We do not want any interference, but we do encourage parental support,” said Holloway.

“These bowlers go through a three-hour training five days a week. They are taught all the fundamentals of basic bowling. All the training fees and equipment are funded by the MTBC.

“We will review these bowlers after every two years. If they are good, they will be promoted to the back-up or elite squads,” added Holloway.

The five boys in training are Tankeanhong, Syaffique Ikhwan, Mohd Rafiq Ismail, Wan Nadzmi Fikri and Timmy Tan. Victoria Chin, Nora Lyana and Nur Syazwani are members of the girls’ squad. Syazwani is the youngest at 12.

“After nine months of training, I believe they are ready for competition.

“I don’t want them to compete in the junior competitions.

“I want them to challenge the adults in Open tournaments,” said Holloway.

Of the eight, Rafiq has already made a name for himself. The 14-year-old beat a stellar cast to emerge as the Masters Open champion in the Milo International Junior All-stars last December.

The task of grooming the youngsters has taken a lot of Holloway’s time, but he is not complaining. Besides the special squad, Holloway is also in charge of the national elite and back-up teams.

Holloway is still on the look out for youngsters to join the team.

“I do not look only at the winners. I also look at bowlers with the potential to be developed into a top class performer,” said Holloway.

Holloway is now eagerly looking forward to the National Championships.

“I have drummed it into their heads that their task is to overcome the national back-up and elite bowlers.

“Watch out for Victoria in the women’s competition,” said Holloway.

When asked how he managed to juggle his responsibilities, Holloway said: “All the squads train at different times and I have good assistant coaches.

“Bowling is my passion and nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing a new talent making it big in the sport.”