Bangkok, Thailand, March 3, 2024: The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and Chonburi Province, Thailand in November will be a massive boost for the sport of tenpin bowling in Asia, said Danny Santos, a senior official of the International Bowling Federation and Asian Bowling Federation.
In Bangkok to attend the 1st Technical Delegates Meeting for AIMAG 6, Santos, an executive board member of the IBF and representing the Asian governing body as the designated technical delegate, was thankful of the inclusion of bowling as one of 36 medal sports at the November 21-30 Games.
“The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games come at a good time for our sport, especially as we are not at the next Asian Games, in 2026 Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Bangkok event will serve to keep our sport in the limelight especially when it comes to funding for national federations across Asia,” Santos explained.
Bowling has to depend on government funding in Asia, according to Santos, so missing out on Hangzhou 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has been a big blow.
“AIMAG 6 will go some way to alleviate this pain. Luckily, in Southeast Asia, next year will see the SEA Games take place in Bangkok where bowling has been included. Taking part in international multi-sports events like these help national federations in funding,” Santos said.
The Filipino, who is based in Kuwait with the Asian Bowling Federation, had nothing but praise for the AIMAG organisers. After a site visit to the Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl, Major Cineplex in Ratchayothin, a plush 30-lane venue, he was confident that the bowling competition would run smoothly.
“This is a tried and tested venue. Many major international tournaments are held here including the popular Thailand Open on our calendar and I know we will be able to run a good event for AIMAG 6,” said Santos.
There will be eight gold medals on offer in bowling, four in men’s competition and four for women. Organisers will use the Asian Championships in September as a test event.
“The Thai Tenpin Bowling Association is a seasoned host and I know everything will run smoothly,” Santos added.
