| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam Petanque Federation (BDPF) has encouraged local participants to heighten their preparations for the second season of the Brunei Petanque League 2017 to maximise their chances of lifting the title amid stern competition from foreign participants.
With the Brunei Petanque League returning for a second edition at the Petanque Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, Brunei Darussalam Petanque Federation president Abdul Ghani bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Ali said this year had attracted a number of Malaysian and Thai participants who are currently based in the country.
“We hope that the locals are prepared to compete but actively undergoing training,” Abdul Ghani told the media during the launching of the league.
“It is possible that in the coming months there will be more overseas participation.”
“So increased competition will be seen. We hope local participants are prepared everytime the competition opens each month,” he added.
Officials in a group photo during the launch of the Brunei Petanque League 2017. – KHAIRIL HASSAN
Abdul Ghani said BDPF would be collaborating with the Department of Schools to unearth young talent.
He said schools would be used to absorbing talent at the grassroots level.
Abdul Ghani said it was encouraging to see that participation rate had steadily increased between July and December last year.
He hoped there would be a bigger pool of young players this year for national team contention.
Defending champion Mazlan Yahya will be sitting out from the competition this year to give opportunity to younger participants to compete against senior players.
“This year there are more talented players. The tournament will provide an opportunity for young players to rise and compete,” said Abd Ghani.
Mazlan will instead be involved in another aspect of the game – assuming a role as an umpire arbitre throughout the competition.
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