BANGKOK: Sarawak kegler, Nur Hazirah Ramli, capped a memorable year by playing a key role in Malaysia’s gold medal triumph in the women’s team bowling event at the 2025 SEA Games.
The national quartet of Natasha Mohamed Roslan, Nur Hazirah Ramli, Adania Mohd Redzwan and Sin Li Jane finished the final with a total of 817 pinfalls, defeating Indonesia, who managed 773.
Hazirah emerged as the standout performer in the final, recording 245 pinfalls – the highest among all competitors – to spearhead Malaysia’s gold medal success.
The Kuching-born bowler admitted the victory was especially meaningful after enduring difficult moments earlier in the competition, including inconsistent performances.
“Alhamdulillah, I am proud and grateful to be able to contribute to the team. My performance was not very good previously, including yesterday, but today I managed to regain my rhythm,” she said when met at the Blu-o Rhythm & Bowl Ratchayothin venue today.
Once she found her momentum, Hazirah said her sole focus was on delivering for the team rather than individual accolades.
“I gave 100 per cent once I found my rhythm. What mattered most was that I could still deliver the best shots for the team. Carrying the team was never on my mind,” she added.
Hazirah noted that the SEA Games format, which features a single-game final, demands maximum focus from every athlete.
“All teams are closely matched, so every shot requires full concentration. One mistake and it’s easy to fall behind,” she said.
Malaysia booked their place in the final after defeating Thailand in the semi-finals with 865 pinfalls, compared to the hosts’ 817.
The national team also displayed consistency in the qualifying rounds, topping both Block One and Block Two with an overall total of 4,870 pinfalls.
Hazirah described her first SEA Games appearance as an exciting experience despite the intense pressure, and praised the support of senior teammates for boosting her confidence throughout the tournament.
She added that ending the 2025 season with a gold medal fulfilled her personal goal of closing the year on a high note.
The gold medal was also dedicated to Malaysians, especially the people of Sarawak, whom she described as her constant source of strength.
“This gold is for my parents, family, teammates, Sarawak, Malaysia and everyone who has supported me from the beginning until now,” she said.
Hazirah stressed that the achievement would serve as motivation to continue working hard and improving her performance in future competitions.
In the men’s event, Malaysia’s team comprising Muhammad Syazirol Shamsudin, Fan Yew Tsen, Tun Hakim and Rafiq Ismail, had to settle for bronze after being eliminated by the Philippines in the semi-finals.
