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2024 IBF World Youth Championships

Entertaining show marks opening of championships

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9th July, Incheon: An entertaining performance by K-Tiger Taekwondo and K-Pop Group marked the official opening ceremony of the 2024 IBF World Youth Championships held at The Nest Hotel which was graced by His Excellency, Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah, President of International Bowling Federation.

The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Jeong Suk, President of Korean Bowling Association, previously hosted by Incheon City back in 1998. An elaborate list of highly distinguished guests comprising of President of Incheon Bowling Association, representatives of Incheon Metropolitan City, sponsors and partners.

Also present were IBF CEO, Mr. Michael Seymour, Mr. Maradona Chok, Tournament Director, Mr. Choi Jongbong, Chairman, Korean Bowling Association (KBA) International Committee, Mr. Chung Young Hee, Secretary General of KBA and Host Tournament Co-Ordinator.

Several IBF Executive Board members were also at the opening ceremony which included, Mr. Martin Faba, first Vice President of IBF, Mr. Marios Nicolaides, second Vice President of IBF, Mr. Valgeir Gudbjartsson, President of European Bowling Federation, Mr. Onder Gurkan, Ms. Suwalai Satrulee, Mr. Francois Lavoie, Athlete Representative and Dr Danny Santos.

The National anthem played before the start of th opening ceremony

Emcees for the ceremony kicked off the event with the Korean national anthem before introducing the Guest of Honor and the distinguished guests. There were no traditional teams marchpast but each team was introduced while they were all seated their tables.

His Excellency, Sheikh Talal delivered his opening remarks by thanking the Korean Bowling Association (KBA) for coming forward to host the championships here in Incheon. He also thanked all the participating teams and their respective associations and congresses.

This was followed by a speech from Mr. Jeong Suk, President of KBA. As the mayor of Incheon City was unable to attend the ceremony, he conveyed his message via a recorded address, thanking all participating teams, extending his best wishes to all athletes.

Bowlers from the Korean Team took the athletes' oath on behalf of all players while Mr. Maradona Chok took the oath on behalf of all officiating personnel of the championships.

HE Sheikh Talal delivering his opening remarks

HE Sheikh Talan delivering his opening remarks

The highlight of the opening was an entertaining performance by K-Tiger Taekwondo and K-Pop Group which drew great applause from the thrilled audience. Mr. Choi Jongbong then officially declared the championships open. All distinguished guests, participants, team officials were then treated to a scrumptious dinner buffet.

142 boys, 91 girls and 67 team officials from a total of 38 countries have been registered for the championships. Competition will kick off with the Singles qualifying rounds for the girls (2 squads) and boys (3 squads) on Jul 10, 11 and 12 followed by the Singles Matchplay and Singles Semi-finals for the top four from the Matchplay. Doubles will be held on July 12, 13 and 14.

The Team of 4 will be contested on July 15 and 16, the Mixed Team of 4 on July 17 and the finals for Singles, Doubles, Team of 4 and Mixed Team of 4 all on the final day, July 18. Live video streaming will be available throughout the championships including the finals. Live scores will also be made available.

Live video streaming will be available throughout the championships including the finals. Live scores will also be made available.

Related stories:
World Youth Championships returns to Korea

Photos by Noelle Chong in Incheon, Korea.

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