| Fadhil Yunus |
THE Wisdom Bowls Club (WBC) of Brunei Darussalam has recently added the Under-20 Youth Team category for the 2nd WBC President Cup at the Federal Territory of Labuan.
The category has been introduced to respond to the call of WBC to care for the development as well as progress of lawn bowls at the youth level mainly for those aged less than 20 years.
The WBC Under-20 squad is represented by seven teenage athletes with the youngest aged 14.
Two of them from Rimba Secondary School, Muhd Haziq Junaidi and Abdul Fattahul Muiz Nor Muhd Fazri, took part in an overseas competition for the first time.
Despite failing to post any victories, they have taken a valuable experience from their outing in looking ahead to their next journey.
WBC youth players in a group photo. – WBC
They have previously undergone training conducted by their teacher Azri Abdul Manaf with the supervision of WBC head coach Haji Abdul Ghafar bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laksamana Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Taha.
According to the WBC head coach, “Both players through practical have shown very good technique and basic play though only experience separates them with other players.
“Their clear nervousness makes the opposition more confident, but nevertheless, their fighting spirit cannot be disputed as they have shown their willingness to do their utmost best in the entire contest,” added Haji Abdul Ghafar.
Azri added that if the teenage players are given sufficient opportunities and exposure, they could serve as the fold for the country’s top performers in the future.
Meanwhile, President of WBC Haji Johari Achee said, “It is WBC’s main responsibility to nurture talent of teenage players at the grassroots level, the number of teenage players are very low even though Brunei boasts talented teenage players and of potential to be highlighted.
“It is hoped that this President Cup will be the field for the young players to acquire knowledge and measure their respective abilities,” the president added.
Other than the President Cup, WBC has also provided opportunities to gain exposure and experience in Labuan when they compete in the international triples championship in conjunction with the New Year.
The championship serves as the best opportunity for the youth players to witness first-hand the greatness of international players from Malaysia and Singapore who are also participating in the championship, including former world number one Safuan Said.
The competition started yesterday and will end on January 1.
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