Participating contingents in a group photo at the Megalanes Sarawak during the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Karim (third right) setting off the fireworks to declare the championship open.
KUCHING: Teams from 10 countries are currently participating in the 18th Asian Schools Tenpin Bowling Championship which started on Saturday and ends this Friday at the Megalanes at Batu Kawa here.
Besides Malaysia the other teams are from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated at the championship’s opening ceremony at the Megalanes on Saturday.
In his speech, he congratulated the Amateur Bowling (Tenpin) Association of Sarawak (ABAS) for winning the bid tohost the tournament in state’s capital.
This shows that Sarawak is capable of hosting international tenpin bowling tournaments.
“I hope all participants and officials coming from outside Malaysia not only come to participate in this tournament but enjoy the uniqueness of the tourist spots in Sarawak too. We have a lot to offer in terms of our culture and heritage,” he added.
He also commented that the championship would be a platform for the young players to gain more experience in the sport.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Sarawak Sports Corporation Chief Executive Officer Dr Ong Kong Swee, Asian Bowling Federation Honorary Life President Vivien Lau, ABAS president Sunny Si Poh Heng and ABAS vice president Robert Lu.