SUKMA 2024: MTBC Hails Sarawak’s Cutting-edge Bowling Tech As A Model For Malaysia

By Farah Najihah Zuraimi

KUCHING, Aug 21 (Bernama) — The Sarawak government's commitment to modernising tenpin bowling with cutting-edge technology should serve as a model for other states, ensuring the sport continues to thrive both locally and internationally, said Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general, Maradona Chok.

MTBC is now pivoting towards actively supporting other state associations by upgrading existing infrastructure and enhancing coaching efforts, he said, adding that this strategic move aims to nurture the next generation of bowlers and keep the grassroots strong for the next 50 years.

“Sarawak has always been our ‘factory’, they have always been one of our main suppliers of national athletes. Their coaching staff is good. The technology they're using is very up-to-date and they are actually the role model for Malaysia to follow. 

“They (Sarawak squad) have very good alignment with the (state) government. The government funding with Sarawak is tremendous (and) we don't see this in a lot of states in the Peninsula. So those are the things that I think we need to move into,” he told Bernama recently. 

Commenting on Megalanes Sarawak, the official venue for SUKMA 2024, which boasts the state-of-the-art  Specto system across all 42 lanes, Maradona said it significantly helps young players hone their skills.

However he said that the system cannot be used in any domestic or international tournaments, as it provides players with an ‘advantage’ which is akin to giving them a leg up in scoring.

He noted that the system cannot be used in domestic or international tournaments as it provides players with an ‘advantage’, akin to giving them a leg up in scoring.

“Many countries are using that newest technology. So hopefully in the near future, they will open up the use of technology and the game will improve tremendously in terms of standards,” Maradona, while also agreeing that SUKMA remains a crucial platform for discovering new talent.

He said MTBC is delighted to see talented players from each state competing and hopes that the National Sports Council will continue to support their vision, leading to future successes.

Bernama previously reported that national youth coach Alex Liew travelled to Sarawak to scout for rising stars who could become the country’s future champions.

— BERNAMA