MALAYSIA GET 2025 LAWN BOWLS WORLD CUP HOST JOB AFTER HK’S WITHDRAWAL

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to make history by hosting the 2025 Lawn Bowls World Cup here from Nov 4-8, following Hong Kong’s withdrawal as hosts.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh described the recognition given by the international governing body, World Bowls, to the Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) as a positive development for the sport’s progress in the country.  

“The Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) will give its full cooperation to ensure the World Cup is held successfully. This is a big opportunity for Malaysia because many of the competing teams are from Commonwealth countries.

“When world-class tournaments are held here, more local athletes will get the opportunity to get a taste of competing at the highest level, compared to if they are held overseas, which usually involves higher costs,” she told reporters after attending the Segambut Fiestabowls 2.0 at Bukit Kiara here today.

A total of 12 countries are slated to participate in the World Cup - namely Australia, England, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Ireland, the United States, Wales and Malaysia (host).

Hannah said the MLBF is in the process of submitting applications to obtain support and funding to ensure the successful hosting of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, MLBF president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz revealed that Malaysia was only named as the host for the 2025 Lawn Bowls World Cup after Hong Kong pulled out from organising it.

He added that the MLBF received the official offer letter from World Bowls on Wednesday (May 14).

“Hong Kong withdrew because it was not prepared to accept the terms set by World Bowls. The 2026 edition will be held in Hong Kong. We received the letter from World Bowls on May 14, so that means Hong Kong must have pulled out (as host) on May 13,” he said.

Lawn bowls stole the show in Malaysia when Nor Farah Ain Abdullah was crowned Sportswoman of the Year at the 2024 National Sports Awards (ASN) recently. 

The award was in recognition of Nor Farah Ain’s achievement in winning the women's singles gold medal at the 2024 World Indoor Bowls Championships at Guernsey, Channel Islands, last April.

-- BERNAMA