KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia supports the global campaign for the inclusion of Lawn Bowls in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (PLBM) is a key partner in this international effort led by World Bowls and Bowls Australia.
As part of the campaign – a match between Malaysia and a ‘Rest of the World’ team was held at the Juara Indoor Stadium in Bukit Kiara.
The ‘Rest of the World’ won the exhibition game on a tie-breaker set.
The ‘Rest of the World’ team was led by Corey Wedlock (Aus), Emily Kernick (Eng) and para athletes James Reynolds (Aus), Jarid James (RSA) and Wai Lin Tang (Hkg).
Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Siti Zalina Ahmad led the Malaysian team. The others include Mohd Idham Amin, para athletes Haszely Elias, Amir Muhd Yusof and Ratna Aizah.
This special exhibition game aims to build awareness and support for bowls’ inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, showcasing the sport’s diversity, teamwork and global reach.
The Guest of honour to witness the celebration was Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, and vice-president of the Olympic Council of Asia.
He said the sports growth in Malaysia is a testament to its enduring appeal and accessibility.
“From our records Lawn Bowls is one of the longest-standing sports in the Commonwealth Games, having been competed since the 1930 British Empire Games in Hamilton.
“I wish to express my steadfast support for the inclusion of lawn bowls in 2032 Brisbane Olympics.”
President Bowls Malaysia, Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz said lawn bowls is an inclusive sport.
“This exhibition match was televised live in the World Bowls Series.”
“We showed we are on par with the world’s best, even though we lost by a tie-break set.”
Malaysia are hosting the inaugural ‘World Cup 2025’ in Bukit Kiara from Nov 4-8.
12 top nation are competing in this Platinum event of the World Bowls Series.
President of World Bowls, Brett O’Riley, President of World Petanque Federation Claude Azema, CEO of World Bowls Neil Dalrymple were present.