KUCHING: A total of 34 countries have sent their best athletes to compete for titles at the 2026 International Bowling Federation (IBF) Youth Bowling World Championships, being held at Megalanes Sarawak from June 27 to July 7.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak's selection as host proves the international community's confidence in the state's capability to organise world-class sporting events.

He said the government recognises bowling as a sport with great potential for growth and will continue to support its development through athlete development programmes, coaching training, competition opportunities, facility upgrades, as well as collaboration with sports bodies at the national and international levels.

"The organisation of this championship itself demonstrates that commitment. It gives local young athletes the opportunity to compete with the world's best players and inspires a new generation of bowlers in Malaysia and the region," he said.

He said this when officiating at the championship's opening ceremony at Megalanes Sarawak on Saturday.

He added that the Sarawak Government believes sport is an important platform for nation-building and human capital development.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim said his ministry continues to strengthen policies and programmes to encourage participation, develop talent, improve sports infrastructure and provide pathways for athletes to achieve excellence at every level.

"The ministry's role encompasses athlete development, high-performance training, sports governance, as well as the provision of quality sports facilities for current and future generations.

"The ministry's goal is to make Sarawak a sporting powerhouse — not only in tenpin bowling, but in all types of sports," he explained.

The 2026 IBF Youth Bowling Championships mark the return of the World Bowling Championships to Malaysia for the first time since 2003, around 23 years ago.

For the Asia Zone, participating countries are China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam.

For the Europe Zone, participating countries are the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Switzerland, Sweden and Turkiye.

For the Pan-America Zone, participating countries are Canada, Mexico, Peru and the United States (USA).

Meanwhile, for the Oceania Zone, participating countries are Guam, Australia and New Zealand.

The participation of 34 countries involves 218 athletes and 132 officials and support staff, bringing the total number of participants to 350.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, IBF Deputy President Marios Nicolaides, Malaysia Tenpin Bowling Congress President Dato Najeeb Abdullah, Sarawak Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association (ABAS) President Sunny Si Poh Heng, Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Harry Ilias
Translator: Uilson Ng