KUCHING: The 2026 Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship (SIOTBC) highlights Sarawak as a preferred location for hosting international-class bowling events through the participation of 663 local and international competitors.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said that participation from both local and international players proves that the championship has successfully served as a platform bringing together athletes from various countries.

“We are proud to welcome bowlers from Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, India, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, and Brunei, alongside Malaysian players.

“This is what I mean when I say international—bringing people from different countries together to play tenpin bowling.
“So, to all players from Malaysia, you know that if you manage to reach this stage, it means you are as good as the players from Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Brunei, and other countries,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the Closing Ceremony of SIOTBC 2026 at Megalanes Sarawak, Batu Kawa, here on Saturday.

Datuk Amar Dr Sim added that organising international tournaments at Megalanes also demonstrates Sarawak’s capability to provide suitable venues for international-grade sporting events.

He noted that this is a matter of great pride because Megalanes, which is only around 10 years old, has successfully hosted various international events, including the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Youth Championships.

The Batu Kawa Assemblyman added that the previous IBF tournament brought together players from 34 countries, thereby offering local young athletes exposure to compete against international players.

Meanwhile, next year will see the staging of the tenpin bowling events for the 2027 SEA Games in Kuching, further solidifying the venue as a renowned international bowling hub.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Member of the Senate Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim, Acting Head of Sports Development Division at the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) Dedia Sarini Ahmad, President of the Amateur Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABAS) Sunny Si Poh Heng, and Vice President of ABAS Shaifulbari Shukri. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Ryan Lim