10th November, Jakarta: The 37th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship, hosted by Jakarta City, was officially declared open by Guest of Honour, the Honorable Mr Antonius Adi Wirawan, Executive Committee of the Indonesia Olympic Committee at Jaya Ancol Bowling Center on Monday evening.

Fifteen member cities of the Asian Intercity Bowling Council (AIBC) along with guest cities, Seria from Brunei, Selayang from Malaysia and Pasir Ris from Singapore will be vying for honours at this year's immensely popular and friendly championship.

The emcee, Ms Putty Armein, member of the organising committee, kicked off the ceremony with the introduction of the Guest of Honour, Mr Antonius Adi Wirawan, Mr Johnson Cheng, President of AIBC, distinguished guests, Mr Lukman Djajadikusuma, Secretary General of National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI), and Mr Agus Muhammad Baron, President of Persatuan Boling Indonesia (PBI).

Also introduced were Mr Roland Waworuntu, Chairman of DKI Jakarta Bowling Federation, Ms Renny Tamba, Organising Chairman of the championship committee, Ms Christina Koo, Director of Jaya Ancol Bwling Center and official venue.

Ms Renny Tamba was the first to speak at the opening with her welcome speech, expressing her sincere gratitude to the city of Jakarta in coming forward to hosting the 37th edition of the championship. This was followed by speeches from Mr Angus Muhammad Baron, Mr Lukman Djajadikusma, Mr Johnson Cheng and lastly, Mr Antonius Adi Wairawan.

Mr Paolo Hernandez and Mrs. Maulida Marthiana of Team Jakarta, took the athlete oath on behalf of all participants while Mr Toni Setiawan took the oath on behalf of all tournament officials.

The Guest of Honour, Mr Angus Adi Wirawan and Mr Johnson Cheng rolled a bowling ball each on the lanes to officially declare the championship opened. A group photo of all the distinguished guests was then taken before the opening ceremony concluded. All guests were then invited to a welcome reception hosted at the bowling center.

Competition will kick off with the Singles event on November 11, the Doubles event on November 12 with the Singles and Doubles Medal Rounds on November 13. The Team of 4 will be contested on November 14 and the Medal Round on the same day.