23rd August, Jakarta: A traditional Indonesian cultural theme marked the opening ceremony of 25th Asian Junior Bowling Championships held at Jaya Ancol Bowling Center on Sunday, attended by dignitaries, distinguished guests and team officials.

Fifteen federations comprising of 89 boys and 36 girls paraded in front of a packed house graced by Mr Usman Ali Mustafa, Assistant Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia, accompanied by Mr Eko Budianto, Director of Visa and Travel Documents of the Directorate of Immigration of Indonesia and Ms Vivien Lau SBS, JP., Honorary Life President of ABF.

Amongst the dignitaries were Mr Raja Sapata Oktohari, President of National Olympics Committee of Indonesia, Mr M. Suwarno, President of National Sports Committee of Indonesia, Mr Andri Yansyah, Head of Youth and Sports of Jakarta Province, Mr Agum Gumelar, Advisor to Persatuan Boling Indonesia (PBI), Mr Agus Muhammad Bahron, President of PBI and Mr Fatchul Anas, Vice Chairman of National Sports Committee of Indonesia.

The emcee kicked off the opening ceremony proceedings with the introduction of the dignitaries and distinguished guests before the drum performance and the traditional Java dance. She then announced the march-past of the participating federations.

Ms Vivien Lau SBS, JP., Hon. Life President of ABF then delivered her speech on behalf of His Excellency Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah, President of IBF/ABF by extending His Excellency's apologies for not being able to be here for the championships.

She added that the Asian Junior Bowling Championships is an ideal platform for young and aspiring bowlers to make their mark and to experience the intensity of this junior event. Hopefully, all their hard work and preparations will pay off by earning glory for their federations.

Two Indonesian team members took the athlete oath on behalf of all athletes while Mr Gatot Aryo Nugroho, Host Tournament Co-Ordinator took the official oath. Mr Agum Gumelar, Advisor to PBI and all the dignitaries joined in to officially declare the championships open by beating the drums. The ceremony concluded with an invitation to a welcome reception hosted by PBI at the bowling Center.

Earlier in the day, official practice sessions, divided into two squads, were held. Competition will kick of with the Boys and Girls Singles tomorrow. The Boys and Girls Doubles will be contested on Tuesday, August 25. The Team of Four, over two blocks of 3 games each will be held on August 26 and 27.