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Limited Podium Programme slots threaten Malaysian bowling's future stars | Scoop
Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok highlights the need for a larger pool of athletes to maintain the country's world-class bowling standard and prevent complacency. - Bernama file pic, November 9, 2024
Sports

Limited Podium Programme slots threaten Malaysian bowling’s future stars

MTBC hopes the National Sports Council will consider giving additional slots under the elite programme

Main Author Image
Fabian Peter
Updated
5:04 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) is probably one of the best-run National Sports Associations (NSAs) in Malaysia due to its accomplishments; yet, the MTBC faces a significant challenge: the limited number of bowlers qualifying for the national Podium Programme.

The limited slots for bowlers in the programme threaten the continuity of young bowlers trying to make it into the senior team.

For context, only athletes within the Podium Programme receive a full-time salary, while junior bowlers are provided with allowances.

Currently, the MTBC has 10 men and nine women under the Podium Programme, along with nine boys and six girls in the National Youth set-up.

Ideally, the MTBC would like to have extra slots for the Podium Programme and the National Youth set-up.

Speaking to Scoop, MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok said that they are looking to have 12 men and 12 women in the elite programme and 12 boys and 12 girls in the youth programme.

“The continuity of our success is based on the depth and number of bowlers we have. We need a large team to maintain our world-class standard and prevent complacency.

“In bowling, athletes often peak between 25 and 28 but can compete well into their 40s.

“However, we lose our National Youth bowlers after 21 because there are no slots for them in the Podium Programme, and they can no longer remain in the youth squad.

“The National Sports Council (NSC) only wants to retain medal winners and drops those who don’t. But bowlers need time to mature,” said Maradona.

The Malaysian bowling squad made history this year, finishing as the most successful nation at the Asian Championships with eight gold medals, five silver, and four bronze.

Additionally, seasoned campaigner Sin Li Jane won four titles on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour and became the first Asian to claim the PWBA Player of the Year award.

Next year, the MTBC’s calendar is packed, with major tournaments including the IBF World Cup in January, the Asian Indoor Games in October, the IBF World Championships in November, and the Bangkok SEA Games in December. This is alongside other significant events such as the IBF World Youth in June and the Asian Youth in August.

While the MTBC is actively pursuing sponsorships, maintaining their high standards will be challenging if they continue to struggle to secure adequate representation in the Podium Programme.

Without this support, many top bowlers are forced to look for jobs outside the sport or pursue further education just to have a safety net to fall back on.

A total of RM230 million has been allocated for sports development in the latest 2025 Budget. In the coming months, attention will be on the Youth and Sports Ministry to see which NSAs will benefit most from this funding. – November 9, 2024

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