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2026 IBF World Youth Championships

Entertaining show marks opening of championships

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27th June, Kuching, Sarawak: An entertaining local cultural drums show marked the official opening ceremony of the 2026 IBF World Championships graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak held at Megalanes EMart, Batu Kawah.

The emcee, Ms Michelle Wong announced the arrival of the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, accompanied by Yang Berhormat Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entertainment Development Sarawak and greeted by Mr Marios Nicolaides, Vice President of International Bowling Federation (IBF), YBhg Dato Najeeb Abdullah, President of Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC).

Mr Sunny Si, Deputy President of MTBC and President of Amatuer Bowling Association of Sarawak was also present to greet the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries included Yang Berhormat Dato Senator Ahmad Bin Ibrahim, Senator, Parliament of Malaysia, Mr Morshidi Bin Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak and Mr Michael Seymour, CEO of IBF.

Teams parade at the official opening ceremony

Also attending the ceremony were En. Khairulnizam Bin Morshidi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sarawak Sports Corporation, Puan Fatimah Bt Abdul Rahman, Assistant Director, Sarawak State Youth and Sports Department, Mr Kong Fook Ann, Head of Finance, Air Borneo Airways Sdn Bhd and En Mohd Lazim Yassin, Head of Marketing, Air Borneo Airways Sdn Bhd.

The distinguished guests, dignitaries, federations officials, athletes and spectators were then entertained by the local Drum Band. The Malaysian national anthem and the Sarawak State anthem were played before announcing the march-past of teams of the participating member federations.

En. Muhammad Aiman Syahin Sulaiman and Cik Adania Mohd Redzwan, members of host federation, Malaysia took the athlete oath on behalf of all participating federations. This was followed by two local tournament staff, En. Muhammad Ashraf Bin Mansour and Cik Asya Dania binti Azree, who took the official oath on behalf of all officials.

Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah delivered his opening speech thereafter followed by a welcome speech by Mr Sunny Si. Special token of appreciation was presented to the Guest of Honour by YBhg Dato Najeeb Abdullah assisted by Mr Si.

The Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, dignitaries, federations officials and athletes were gathered for a group photo session at the end of the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, four official practice sessions were held, two for the boys in the morning and two for the girls in the afternoon. Competition will kick off with the Singles qualifying rounds on June 28 and 29 ending with the Matchplay rounds.

Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah delivering his speech

The Doubles qualifying rounds will be contested on June 30 and July 1 ending with the Matchplay rounds. The Team qualifying rounds will take place on July 2 and 3 ending with Matchplay rounds and Team Semi-finals.

The Mixed Team qualifying rounds will follow on July 4 ending with the Matchplay rounds and Semi-finals. The Singles Semi-finals, Doubles Semi-finals will all be held on July 5. The last day of competition will be the Finals for Singles, Doubles, Team and Mixed Team. A Victory Baquet will be hosted by ABAS concluding the week-long championships.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuching, Sarawak.

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