KUCHING: The state government will provide backing to any sports associations in organising international level tournaments in the state.
According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state government is keen for more international level tournaments to be held particularly in Kuching. “We realise that such tournament is vital in our effort to be a sports powerhouse and we are committed towards the mission,” said Karim.
He was speaking at the prize presentation ceremony of the Sarawak International Tenpin Bowling Championship 2017 at Megalanes Bowling Centre here.
“We wanted out athletes to compete on a world standard, and to achieve this is through exposure at events. Having international competition here will definately helps,” said Karim.
On the tournament, he was glad that it is making a return after an 18-year hiatus.
“The last time we had this was in 1999, and with the sanctioning of this venue to international standard, it is definitely a boost to the bowling sports in the state,” he added.
Karim also advised the participants to use the event as a platform to boost teamwork, skills and the spirit of comradeship while at the same time urging the visiting teams to explore Sarawak. More than 210 bowlers from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Thailand and Indonesia participated in the tournament which kicked off on Sept 6.