9th January, Hong Kong: A traditional grand ceremony graced by His Excellency Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah, President of IBF/ABF and Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-Hung, GBS, JP., Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, marked the long-awaited 26th Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships being held at SCAA Bowling Centre.

The ceremony was also graced by Mr Timothy T.T. Fok, GBC, JP., Honorary IOC Member and President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. Also present was Dr Haywood Cheung, Chairman of Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society, Director of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (2010-2013).

Other distinguished guests included were Mr Choi Jang-Kyu, Vice President of ABF, Mr Michael Seymour, President of Oceanic Bowling Federation, and many representatives from embassies and various sponsors, supporting partners, ABF Executive Board Members and team officials.

Mr Eric Lee, emcee for the ceremony welcomed all present and kicked off proceedings by introducing the guests of honours, dignitaries and several notable distinguished guests before announcing the march past of the 16 participating countries, starting with China and ending with host nation, Hong Kong, China.

His Excellency Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah, in his speech said that he is confident that HKTBC will do an excellent job in hosting this event and that the participants will be well taken off by her experienced staff and volunteers.

Mr Kevin Yeung followed up her speech by reinterating that the Hong Kong has always been a perfect country to host such a prestigious championship and that this will mark the return of normacy and for Hong Kong to boast the many attractive cultural activities that will follow soon. The same sentiment was also expressed by Mr Timothy Fok in his inspring speech too.

The guests of honour and dignitaries were then invited to perform the traditional dotting of the lion's eyes and tying the "Good Luck" ribbons to mark the ceremony. This was followed by the lion dance and a group photo session before Sheikh Talal officially declared the championships opened.

Ninety five men and fifty women from sixteen Asian countries from China, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United Arab Emriates, Uzbekistan and host Hong Kong will be vying for glory in the week to follow.