Malaysia’s national bowlers have claimed the title of Kings and Queens of Asia, concluding their campaign at the 27th Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships in Bangkok with eight gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. This remarkable achievement is undoubtedly a fitting tribute to the late Datuk Dr P S Nathan, founder and former president of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) who was laid to rest today. As it should be, Asia’s top bowler, Rafiq Ismail, secured his fourth gold of the tournament by winning the Masters title, while Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Player of the Year, Sin Li Jane, claimed her third gold in the women’s Masters at the Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl. Rafiq, who had already triumphed in the men’s singles, men’s trios, and men’s all-events, advanced to the stepladder finals as the top seed, amassing a 16-game total of 3,754 pinfalls. He was joined by fellow Malaysian Hafiz Zainuddin, who finished second with 3,717, and South Korea’s Park Dong Hyuk, who placed third with 3,564. Hafiz unfortunately lost to Park Dong Hyuk 255-207 in the semi-finals, leaving it to Rafiq to secure the win. The southpaw did not disappoint, coming from behind to beat the South Korean with a two-game total of 466-435.

Malaysia had already secured the overall champions title on Monday after the all-events, but in-form bowler Li Jane showed no signs of easing up. She ensured Malaysia surpassed their previous best haul of six gold medals in 2019. Li Jane, like Rafiq, qualified for the stepladder finals as the top seed with 3,645 pinfalls, followed closely by reigning world champion Natasha Roslan with 3,600. South Korea’s Jung Da Wun claimed the final spot with 3,591. Natasha, who had earlier won the women’s doubles gold with Li Jane, was defeated 248-176 by Da Wun in the semi-finals. However, Li Jane delivered an outstanding performance in the final, overcoming Da Wun with a two-game total of 473-441. “This achievement is dedicated to the late Dr Nathan, who was a great mentor to all of us. He was always full of good advice and encouragement. He was one of the people who told me to keep giving my best in bowling,” Li Jane told Scoop. “Sometimes, you just need someone to provide that moral support and assurance. Dr Nathan touched many lives, both as a doctor and during his time as president of MTBC. I feel honoured to have been under his guidance. “His legacy will live on in all of us, and I will continue striving to make him proud,” she added.

Maradona Chok, MTBC secretary-general, who returned from Bangkok on Monday to assist with Dr Nathan’s funeral arrangements, was emotional about the team’s historic performance. “Emotions are running high. Dr Nathan would have been so proud,” said Maradona. “Today, we can call ourselves the best Asian team in history, with eight gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.” Chinese Taipei had previously held the record with eight gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, a feat they achieved two decades ago. Last year, Malaysia secured four gold, five silver, and three bronze medals at the championships in Hong Kong. Dr Nathan, who founded MTBC in 1974 and served the organisation for five decades, passed away on Sunday at the age of 90.