KUCHING: Sarawak’s bowling development programme has proven effective in producing elite athletes capable of challenging for national places.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said Sarawak’s bowlers met the performance targets set for them at the recent Malaysia Games (SUKMA), reflecting the progress made through the state’s development structure.
“The gap between Sarawak’s bowlers and their counterparts elsewhere has narrowed significantly.
“We hope our bowlers, especially our female bowlers, can be part of Malaysia’s elite team,” he said.
He said this when met on the sidelines of the Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championships (SIOTBC) 2026 closing ceremony on Saturday.
Rentap said the championship served as an important platform, attracting elite bowlers from abroad while giving Sarawakian bowlers, from juniors to veterans, valuable exposure and competitive experience.
Asked about the readiness of Sarawak’s bowling facilities for the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, he said a trial run to test equipment and official measurements would be held next year, along with minor upgrades to the venue.
He added that Megalanes had been certified by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) to tournament-grade standard, providing assurance that major bowling events could continue to be held in Sarawak.
