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27th MWA Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships

Amazing traditional performances marking the opening

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16th September, Bangkok: Thai Tenpin Bowling Association put on an amazing and entertaining ceremony to mark the opening of the 27th MWA Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships 2024 at Blu-O Thythm & Bowl Ratchayothin, Bangkok graced by His Excellency, Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah, President of ABF and IBF.

The ceremony was attended by Mr Sompan Charumilinda, President of Thai Tenpin Bowling Association, Dr Sutthisak Laprasert, Assistant Governor (Construction), Metropolitan Water Authority, Ms Vivien Lau, SBS, JP., Honorary Life President of ABF, Mr Michael Seymour, CEO of IBF, Mr Jeong Suk, newly appointed Vice President (Far East Region) of ABF and President of Korea Bowling Association.

Also present were Executive Members of ABF, namely Ms Suwalai Satrulee, Vice President (South East Asian Region) of ABF and secretary general of Thai Tenpin Bowling Association, Mr Bandar Al-Shafi, secretary general of Qatar Bowling Federation, Mr Makhmut Iskhakov, Kazakhstan Pin Sport Federation, Mr Kannan Ramashandran, Tenpin Bowlng Federation (India), Mr Steve Robles of Philipine Bowling Federation and Ms Emba Leung, Honorary Secretary General of ABF.

Twenty teams paraded at the official opening ceremony

Other distinguished guests included high ranking officials of several Thai government departments and sponsors of the championships. Mr Pasut Pusanthaveekul, emcee for the ceremony, welcomed all present and kicked off proceedings by introducing the guests of honour, distinguished guests and dignitaries before announcing the march past of the twenty participating countries and territories.

After standing in attention for the Thai National anthem, the emcee introduced members of the Thai National team, Mr Yannaphon Larpapharat and Ms Chawakorn Wutti to take the athletes oath on behalf of all participants followed by Dr Danny Santos, Tournament Director taking the official oath on behalf of all tournament officials.

The emcee then introduced each of the participating countries and territories led by Thai Dancing Group where each of them marched past the dignitaries. Mr Sompan Charumilinda then delivered his opening remarks by announcing that Thailand has played host for the Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships for the fourth time.

He also thanked Asian Bowling Federation in awarding the championships to TTBA and expressed gratitude to HE Sheikh Talal and ABF for their endorsement and confidence in TTBA in making the championships a success. He also re-iterated that all participants must find time to savor the amazing food and shopping facilities Thailand has to offer.

Dr Sutthisak Laprasert, Assistant Governor (Construction), Metropolitan Water Authority then took to the podium to deliver his speech and thanked TTBA for giving the opportunity for his organization to be part of this prestigious event and wished all participants the best of luck in their pursuit for glory.

HE Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah spoke at the opening ceremony and expressed sincere appreciation to TTBA to come forward in hosting the most important championships in ABF's calendar. He ended his speech by declaring the championships official open.

After the speeches, guests were entertained to performances by Grand Shadow Play group, demonstrating the art of combat in Thai tradition. This was followed by latest hip-hop dance by Pompom Cheerleader Group. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, guests were invited to a welcome reception at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl hosted by TTBA.

Five events will be contested consisting of Singles, Doubles, Trios, Team of 5 and the Masters. The top 16 men and top 16 women based on their All-Events standings (24 games) will qualify for the Round-Robin Masters Finals to be staged over two blocks of 8 games.

The top 3 men and top 3 women at the end of the Round-Robin Masters finals will advance to the Stepladder Shootout finals to determine the medal winners. The combined All-Events total of the top five bowlers from each country will also be the qualifying criteria for the 2025 IBF World Championships to be held in Hong Kong.

HE Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah speaking at the ceremony and declaring the championships officially open

The top 9 men countries and the top 10 women countries from Asian zone (one more than the men because the host, Hong Kong will not be fielding a women team). Live scoring and live video streaming will be featured throughout the championships.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Bangkok, Thailand.

Related stories:
Twenty countries and territories vying for glory

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