By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 31: Some 300 bowlers from 11 countries will compete in the upcoming Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship 2024 (SIOTBC’24) from June 10-15 at the state-of-the-art Megalanes Sarawak in Batu Kawah.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that the championship will be the last event before the 2024 Sukma Games, which will be hosted by Sarawak this year.
“There will be a total prize of RM162,000 up for grabs. With over 600 entries expected, including participants from 11 countries, the championship promises fierce competition and excitement.
“Athletes will compete across four categories: Open, Classified, Youth (Under 25), Under 19, Under 16 and Under 13), and Senior (Man and Women aged 50 and above),” he told a press conference at Megalanes Sarawak in Batu Kawa here today.
Organised by the Amateur Bowling (Tenpin) Association of Sarawak (ABAS), the prestigious event is sanctioned by the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF), International Bowling Federation (IBF), and the Malaysia Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC).
It is also supported by Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Sarawak Sports Corporation and Sarawak Sports Council.
Among the countries expected including Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Brunei, Australia and United Kingdom, apart from Malaysia including the Malaysian National Backup Team, Sarawak Junior Team and Sukma Elite Team.
As preparations continue for the upcoming Sukma Sarawak 2024 and future international tournaments, Abdul Karim emphasised that the championship highlights Sarawak’s commitment to sports excellence.
“With upgraded facilities, improved ambiance, and a dedication to providing participants with the most memorable experience, the championship heralds a new era of sporting prowess and camaderie,” he added.
In a special tribute to Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (Sabati), the prestigious Sabati Cup will be held as one-day team event on June 11 with Sabati president Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tunku Bujang invited as the esteemed guest-of-honour.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, ABAS deputy chairman Sunny Sii, its vice president Robert Lu, and Sarawak Sports Corporation chief executive officer Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan were present. — DayakDaily
