“This is an unparalleled showcase for our sport and a certain sign of the exciting future direction for bowls.” That was the statement from World Bowls president Brett O’Riley at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Cup.
A global championship, the World Cup is a new addition to the calendar and is one of the sport’s highest-ranked international competitions outside the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
Bowls Malaysia are making history as the inaugural hosts of this exciting 12-country competition which is a prelude to the 2025 Commonwealth Games.
“I am super excited about this first World Cup and the way the original concept we first discussed at the World Championships in 2023 has evolved into a true festival for World Bowls,” said the president at the event which is being staged at Bukit Kiara Lawn Bowls Complex, Kuala Lumpur, also acknowledging the initial work undertaken with Hong Kong LBA, and World Bowls looks forward to holding a future World Cup in Hong Kong China.
He continued: “A massive thanks to Bowls Malaysia under the leadership of Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, for accepting the opportunity and responsibility of hosting the first World Cup and importantly using it as a pre-cursor event to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, including the use of four portable rinks. Thank you to the government of Malaysia and Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh for their support for this event, and key sponsors Aero Bowls, CelcomDigi, Whitte Sport, Sime Darby, SD Guthrie and Affin. You have all come together to create something specials for both our sport and for Malaysia.
“The participating countries have responded by selecting player for player one of the strongest ever integrated international bowls fields. This strength is evidenced by the presence of several players who will be formally part of the inaugural induction into the new World Bowls Hall of Fame, at the conclusion of the World Cup. It will be great to have other inductees among the spectators for the World Cup, and I am sure there are future inductees amongst the rest of the assembled field.
“This week’s festival of activity represents the breadth of initiatives World Bowls is focussed on as part of our strategy to grow our sport. Thanks to my board colleagues, sub-committee members from our member nations, and our World Bowls executive team led by Neil Dalrymple for their tremendous work in bringing all of this week’s activity – the World Cup, launches of the World Bowls Academy and World Bowls Hall of Fame, our AGM and Development Forum, further meetings with International Bowls for the Disabled as part of our merger, meetings with member and associate nation associations, and of course the Bowls for Brisbane promotional game between Malaysia and the Rest of World, in association with Bowls Australia.
“Importantly thanks to the players, coaches, technical officials, broadcast team, volunteers and spectators who will all make this an incredible first World Cup of bowls.
“This is an unparalleled showcase for our sport and a certain sign of the exciting future direction for bowls. Please enjoy it all and I hope I get the chance to meet with you while we are all enjoying bowls at its best in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.”
President of the Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (Bowls Malaysia), Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, said: “It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all athletes, officials and supporters to the inaugural World Cup 2025. We are truly honoured to host this prestigious event here in Malaysia, a national deeply passionate about the sport and proud of its rich tradition of excellence in lawn bowls.
“The World Cup represents the pinnacle of competitive spirit, skill and sportsmanship. It is a stage where the finest bowlers from across the globe come together in friendship and mutual respect, united by a shared love for the game. This event not only showcases elite athletic performances but also strengthens the bonds of our international bowls community.
“Malaysia has long been committed to the growth and development of lawn bowls and hosting this world-class tournament reflects our dedication to fostering both local and global participation.
“Welcome to Malaysia – Selamat Datang and may you enjoy an unforgettable experience at the World Cup 2025 Kuala Lumpur.”
Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sport Malaysia, said: “Malaysia is proud of its achievement in lawn bowls, especially through Nor Farah Ain Abdullah who was crowned world champion last year. Hosting the World Cup 2025 is a privilege and a reflection of our commitment to the continued growth of the sport in every level.”
Other VIPs at the opening were Abd Aziz Abd Rahman, deputy director general of Ministry of youth and sport development, Mohd Sofian Hamzah, deputy director general of national youth and sport council, Dinesh Sanjay Manickavasagam, head of marketing and sponsorship of CelcomDigi, platinum sponsor, Ybrs Dr David Ross Appleton, chief innovation and research officer, DS Guthrie, Iliyas Jamil, CEO of Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM), His Excellency Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh, high commissioner of New Zealand, Her Excellency Orla Tunney, Ambassador Embassy of Irelend, Morgan O’Brien, public diplomacy officer, United State of America’s Embassy.
Event Info: worldbowls.com/world-cup-2025
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