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New MTBC president Najeeb vows to continue Nathan's legacy

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Najeeb Abdullah has been elected as the second president of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) in its 50-year history.

He will lead the organisation for the 2025-2027 term, after the late Datuk Dr P.S. Nathan who stepped down after five decades in May.

The election, at MTBC's Annual General Meeting at a hotel in Petaling Jaya today, coincided with the national bowling body's 50th anniversary.

Najeeb, 70, who served as MTBC deputy president since 2015, won uncontested.

He paid tribute to Nathan for making Malaysian bowling a success story and pledged to continue his legacy.

"Today, we honour a legendary figure in our sport, while also looking forward to new beginnings. Our goal is to enhance the landscape of bowling both nationally and internationally," said Najeeb.

He expressed optimism about the new leadership team, which include deputy president Sunny Si and senior vice president Robert Lu, alongside five retained vice presidents.

"We are committed to working as a unified team to face the challenges ahead and to unearth new talent for the next generation of bowlers."

Najeeb recognises the hurdles ahead, particularly in securing funding. "Financial support remains our biggest challenge," he said.

The recent implementation of a star rating system by the Sports Ministry is viewed as a critical step in boosting the visibility and appeal of Malaysia bowling, which has a proven track record.

"We're looking for new sponsors and with the Sports Ministry's grading system, it will put bowling in a light where it's easy to receive sponsorship and this is a good initiative because it will glorify bowling as a sport," said Najeeb.

Najeeb's election came on the back of Malaysia's latest achievement - winning a historic 17 medals - eight gold, five silver and four bronze at the Asian Championships in Bangkok several days ago.

Assisting Najeeb for the next two years will be deputy president Sunny Si, who is also Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak president, senior vice president Robert Lu and five vice presidents who all retained their posts. The five are Hidzir Ahmad (north), Datuk Shalin Zulkifli (central south), Mazlan Said (central south), Zamzuriadi Shamsuddin (east) and Rozainny Sham Talip (East Malaysia).

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