Tan Ming Wai
KUALA LUMPUR: Fresh from a string of podium finishes on the world stage, Malaysia will be looking to keep their winning momentum when the 6th Asian Petanque Championships get underway today at the Arena Petanque Kuala Lumpur in Pudu Ulu, Cheras.
National players have been enjoying a purple patch of late — led by Muhammad Hafizuddin Mat Daud, who captured a bronze medal in the men’s singles at the World Championships in Rome in September.
That breakthrough was followed by another bronze at last month’s World Youth Championships in Spain, courtesy of Muhammad Muhaimin Muhd Hafiz and Nurul Zamarinajwa Mohd Zaki in the mixed doubles event. The women’s trio of Nur Thahira Tasnim Abdul Aziz, Jasnina Jasmine Johan Johnson and Nur Durratul Sahira Yazit also impressed with a spirited showing at the Women’s Triplet World Championships in Douaisis, France.
With confidence high, Malaysia now turn their attention to continental duty as the four-day Asian Championships return to Kuala Lumpur for the third time after the 2018 and 2023 editions.
The tournament, relocated from Iran due to safety concerns, will feature 141 participants from 15 countries contesting men’s, women’s and junior events in both triples and precision shooting.
Eight Southeast Asian nations — Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei — will treat the meet as a vital tune-up for next month’s SEA Games in Thailand.
“It’s a great honour for Malaysia to once again be given the trust to host this important continental tournament,” said Malaysian Boules Sports Federation (MSBF) acting president Cheah Ban Cheng.
“We are always ready to play host and take immense pride in delivering an event that reflects the highest standards of competition and hospitality. The strong participation from across Asia – especially the SEA Games nations – will make this edition particularly exciting.
“Our national team have been building solid momentum on the world stage, and this championship presents an excellent platform to test themselves against Asia’s best ahead of the regional Games in Thailand.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
