Malaysia Keen To Host ATBC In 2028

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has expressed interest in hosting the 2028 edition of the Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships (ATBC).

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok confirmed that the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) was notified of Malaysia's intention last September.

"We haven't received a response from the ABF yet; I believe the decision won't come within the next one or two years," he told Bernama recently.

Malaysia has hosted the ATBC twice, in 1972 and 1986.

Should Malaysia be picked to host the event in 2028, it would be the biggest bowling tournament held in the country since the World Championships in 2003, Maradona said.

"Our goal is to bring a major event to Malaysia every year to raise the profile of the sport and promote the country," he said.

Even though they have the financial capacity to host the ATBC, Maradona said that they still need to secure sponsors for the competition.

During the last edition of ATBC in Bangkok, Malaysia made history by achieving its most successful medal haul in the championship's 54-year history, winning eight gold, five silver and four bronze medals.

Malaysia will host the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships this August followed by the World Youth Bowling Championships in Sarawak next year.

-- BERNAMA