14th August, Bangkok: A colourful and traditional ceremony graced by Honorable Mr Prachoom Bootiem, Deputy Governor for Elite Sports and Sports Science, Thailand, marked the opening of the 21st MWA Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championships held at Blu-O Rhytm & Bowl Ratchayothin.

The ceremony was also attended by Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP, Honorary Life President of ABF, representing Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah, President of ABF; Mr Simla Charunmilinda, President of Thai Tenpin Bowling Assocaition; Mr Michael Seymour, President of Oceanic Bowling Federation and Ms Suwalai Satrulee, Vice President of ABF and secretary general of Thai Tenpin Bowling Association.

Other guests included Mr Bandar Al-Shafi, Executive Committee Member of ABF and Head of Delegation for Team Qatar; Mr Choi Jang-Kyu, Vice President of ABF and Dr Danny Santos, Tournament Director.

Ms Chawanluck Direkwattananukul and Mr Tassaphol Direkwattananukul, emcees for the ceremony, welcomed all present and kick off proceedings by introducing the guest of hounour, dignitaries, distinguished guests and committee members of ABF before announcing the march past of 11 participating countries.

Before the speeches, guests were entertained to dancing performances by Long Drum Parade group and Traditional Lanne Dance before the Yothinburana School Band led the march past parade.

Mr Charunmilinda welcomed all participants and guests to the opening ceremony and thanked the team for their support in taking part in this championships. Ms Lau delivered her speech on behalf of the President of ABF while the guest of honour, Mr Bootien spoke at the podium.

Mr Vilinkorn Kledkaew and Ms Ramita Sarntong took the athlete oath on behalf of all the players while Dr Santos, Tournament Director took the oath on behlaf of tournament officials.

A total of 64 boys, 40 girls and 37 team officials from 11 countries will be vying for honours. Four events will be contested consisting of Singles, Doubles, Team of 4 and Masters Finals.

The top 16 boys and top 16 girls based on their standings in the All-Events (after 18 games played) will qualify for the Round-Robin Matchplay Masters finals to be held over two blocks of 8 games each on August 18 and 19. The top 3 boys and top 3 girls with the highest pinfalls at the end of the two blocks will proceed to the Stepladder shootout finals.