KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian para bowling has entered a new chapter under the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC), with more than 100 bowlers from 12 contingents taking part in the inaugural National Para Interstate Championships, which saw Selangor crowned overall champions.
The three-day competition, which concluded at Sunway Mega Lanes in Subang Jaya on Wednesday marked an important milestone for MTBC, which assumed responsibility for para bowling from the Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) in October last year.
Selangor emerged comfortable winners with eight gold, four silver and four bronze medals, ahead of Penang (3-1-2) and Sabah (2-1-1).
MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok said the championship reflected the congress’ commitment to providing para bowlers with the same development opportunities as their able-bodied counterparts.
“Since taking over the para bowling portfolio and officially becoming a member of PCM, we have a responsibility to ensure that para bowlers receive the same attention and opportunities as able-bodied athletes,” said Maradona.
“Our president, Datuk Mohammed Najeeb Abdullah, made it clear that we must do for para bowling what we have been doing for able-bodied bowling.
“He was very firm that we should introduce the para interstate championship as soon as possible. That was why we made it a priority to get the competition started this year.”
Maradona was also encouraged by the response, with 12 contingents participating and 11 returning home with at least one medal.
“For an inaugural championship, the turnout from the states has been very encouraging. It is a good starting point for us,” he said.
On the lanes, Selangor’s Rosheedey Faizal was among three bowlers who captured two gold medals.
Rosheedey won the men’s TPB8 (wheelchair) singles before combining with Ahmad Nazri Hamzah to claim the TPB8+8 doubles title.
Sabah’s Mohamad Azri Azman also completed a double, winning the men’s TPB3 (visual impairment) singles and partnering Azuan Amir Hassan to victory in the TPB1+3 doubles.
Selangor’s Mohd Amin Abd Rashid was another double gold medallist, triumphing in the men’s TPB10 (upper limb impairment) singles before joining Mohd Fauzi Ghazalli to win the TPB10+10 doubles.