Tenpin bowling squad ready for Asian Para Games: Coach

PETALING JAYA: The rousing performance by the para tenpin bowling team at the 9th ASEAN Para Games proved that the national para keglers are ready for the Asian Para Games in Jakarta next year.
Coach Steven Teng Che Man said even though they missed the target of 13 gold medals, their haul of 11 gold was the best outing compared to only eight in the last edition in Singapore.
“They have displayed the most impressive performance and with that I could see they are ready for Asian Para Games and I am confident they would be amazing in Jakarta.
“For the time being, we do not have any tournaments to further boost their morale and I hope they will be able to compete in a championship in Hong Kong next year,” he told the media at the end of the competition at Sunway Mega Lanes today.
From 18 gold medals offered, the national squad bagged 11 gold, nine silver and four bronze medals to emerge as the overall tenpin bowling champions.
Steven said the APG collection matched the 11 gold medals of the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Commenting on Muhammad Hairul Miran who clinched four gold medals, Steven said Muhamad Hairul realised his true potential and confidence.
He said Muhamad Hairul had demonstrated he could be the next Asian champion despite being blind.
Meanwhile, Muhamad Hairul, 40, who lost his eyesight in 2002 in a workplace accident, said he could not have created such success stories if not for the undying encouragement from his coach and teammates.
“I myself could not believe I have won four gold medals as my personal target was only two gold. But I was inspired to become a champion with the support and cheers of my family and friends,” he said.
He claimed gold in the mixed individual TPB1, mixed doubles TPB1+TPB2, Mixed Trio TPB1+TPB2+TPB3 and Mixed Team TPB1+TPB2+TPB2+TPB3 events. — Bernama