Last year, bowler Rafiq Ismail bagged four gold medals at the Asian Championships. To prove that it was no fluke, he did it again in Thailand – this time adding a silver – to establish himself as the region’s best bowler this week. The affable lad from Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur took down the gold medals in the singles, trios, All-Events and Masters and a silver in the team event. The 27-year-old, who will remain the No. 1 bowler in the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) rankings after his performance in Bangkok, said it feels surreal to repeat such a performance. But the former world champion said he was even more satisfied with the fact that the whole team produced a top performance to become overall champions. Malaysia won a whopping 17 medals, seven more than South Korea, who had 10 medals. The side coached by Ben Heng won eight gold medals, five silvers and four bronzes. The men’s team took five golds, three silvers and two bronzes, while the women’s team won three golds, two silvers and two bronzes.

“Last year, we won the men’s overall title. This year, we took it all – men, women and overall! This is the best team ever in Asian Championships history. I am just happy to be part of it,” said Rafiq. “It is the perfect gift for Malaysian bowling, a recognition and also a sign that the sport remains strong. We have now announced ourselves as the best in Asia with these medals. “I did not expect to get four gold medals in one Asian tournament. “It is tough to even win one at this level because there are many other top Asian bowlers, not forgetting the Australians.” He believes the competition within the national team has kept him going and on his toes. “The younger ones are pushing me. Hafiz Zainuddin, for one, was excellent throughout the tournament and players like Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddin and Shaqeem Izwan Shahrul Hafiz Teh did well in the team events. “They have reminded me not to get into a comfort zone. I am just 27, so there is a long way to go but I know more youngsters will come up and continue pushing the seniors.” His next assignment is the Interstate and National Championships from Oct 3 to 8. Meanwhile, Ben Heng said he was happy to see his charges produce such a strong performance in Bangkok. “In my career, I have only won one gold and one silver. To see this lot producing that performance, I can only be proud,” said Ben. “Now, the bowlers will focus on next week’s interstate and national championships and we hope the good momentum will continue.”