KUCHING: The Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship 2025 returns this year with over RM160,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the tournament would have a positive impact on the state’s economy.

“Every participant and supporter who attends will stay, dine, shop, and travel.

“From January to July, the state’s tourism revenue has reached over RM1 billion a month,” he said in a press conference on the organisation of the tournament, here on Wednesday.

He also praised the Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABAS) for offering a prize structure capable of attracting international players, including RM20,000 for the champions of both the Open and Classified Divisions, with prizes awarded up to 40th place.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim stressed that this tournament is also a form of early exposure for Sarawak athletes ahead of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 in Selangor.

“Players need to test their abilities in various tournaments, not just on their home turf,” he said.

The tournament which will be held from 8 to 13 September at Megalanes Sarawak marks its seventh edition and has received recognition from the International Bowling Federation (IBF), the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF), and the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC).

Meanwhile, ABAS President, Sunny Si Poh Heng said this year’s championship is expected to attract participation from 10 countries, namely Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, and the United States, along with nine Malaysian states.

In addition, the annual Sabati Cup will also be held on 9 September, with entry fees channelled to charity.

This year, contributions will be donated to the Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). -UKASnews