Malaysian Bowler Makes History, Pays Own Way to Compete in PBA Tour
PETALING JAYA, March 19 (Bernama) –
The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) has praised Tun Ameerul Luqman Al-Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam for paying his own way to compete in the United States and making history by becoming the first Malaysian to win a title at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour in Reno, Nevada yesterday.
No Sponsorship Provided by MTBC
According to MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok, the organization has not provided any sponsorship to national bowlers to compete in the PBA and Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) for the past two years. This is due to several factors, including the cost of sending a team of around 20 players and the agreement between the MTBC and the National Sports Council (NSC) to limit competition to Asia.
Programme with NSC
"Firstly, the PBA and PBWA are professional tours, and secondly, sending a team of around 20 players would be very costly. So, the agreement between the MTBC and the NSC is that we are limited to competing as a team in Asia. So, the programme with the NSC is solely in Asia, and for anything outside of Asia, the MTBC have been allowed to permit players to compete on their own," Chok explained.
Reviewing Sponsorship Options
MTBC president Datuk Mohd Najeeb Abdullah said the organization would review the sponsorship given by the Youth and Sports Ministry through the NSC to help or sponsor bowlers for future tournaments. This is because the PBW and PWBA tournaments are the best platform for national bowlers to face tough competition and gain valuable exposure.
"These tournaments offer stronger competition because all the best players are there. So, I think that in the future, our team will consider (competing) if there are sponsors and not just rely on the NSC… but we must also look for sponsors," Mohd Najeeb said.
Example of Self-Funding
He noted that Tun Ameerul and his teammates had forked out over RM30,000 to stay in the US for nearly a month before competing in the PBA Tournament.
Conclusion
Tun Ameerul, 25, was crowned the PBA Chameleon champion after defeating American Kevin McCune 269-227 in the stepladder final at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason for the MTBC’s decision not to provide sponsorship to national bowlers to compete in the PBA and PWBA?
A: The MTBC has not provided any sponsorship to national bowlers to compete in the PBA and PWBA for the past two years due to several factors, including the cost of sending a team of around 20 players and the agreement between the MTBC and the NSC to limit competition to Asia.
Q: What is the MTBC’s plan for future competitions?
A: The MTBC will review the sponsorship given by the Youth and Sports Ministry through the NSC to help or sponsor bowlers for future tournaments. The organization will also look for sponsors to support national bowlers in their competitions.
Q: What is the significance of the PBA and PWBA tournaments for national bowlers?
A: The PBA and PWBA tournaments are the best platform for national bowlers to face tough competition and gain valuable exposure, as many of the world’s top stars usually compete in these events.