ISLAMABAD-Pakistani bowlers vow to deliver and earn medals in the World Youth Bowling Championship commencing from July 22 in USA.

Four-member Pakistan team will feature in the mega youth event where top national junior bowler Sardar Ahmed Abbas Saldera, Ali Suria, Danyal Shah and Yasin Jan exhibit their prowess.

Talking to the Nation, Ahmer Saldera said: “I am playing best games of my life as recently, I won not only all the junior events, but also outclassed all the top national bowlers in the 9th National Ranking tenpin bowling championship in Islamabad. My confidence is sky high and I want to win youth world championship for my country.”

Ahmed said the presence of the country’s most decorated players Ijaz Ur Rehman and M Hussain Chahtha would certainly help them in turning the tables and winning medals in the mega event. “We have reached Islamabad to get USA visa and on Monday, we have to appear for interview. We want to travel to USA at least 10 days prior to start of the championship, to adjust to the conditions and also get used to playing on different oiling alley, which would be in great benefit for us. I hope Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will ensure our timely departure, and in return, we will give our nation gift in shape of medals.”

Sharing his views, Ali Suria said: “We were practicing for almost four hours daily at Royal Rodale Club in Karachi, where the owner was helping us a lot and not only giving us special discount, but also providing us international-standard oiling alley. We are well prepared and ready to excel in the mega event.”

Speaking about his experience, Ali said: “I have already participated in international events and have experience of facing tough opponents. There is no such difference between international bowlers and us, but the only thing we lack is non-availability of international-standard coach and facilities. We have time and again requested the IPC and the PSB to arrange international coach for us even for just one month, as it can help us a lot but nothing was done in this regard, which is quite unfortunate for us.”

“Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) secretary Ijaz Ur Rehman has been endevouring to promote this game across the country and for this, he has been spending money even from his own pocket. We really need government and corporate sectors help to boost this game which can give Pakistan recognition at international level,” Ali added.

Danyal Shah said: “Bowling is highly expensive sports, and without government and sponsors’ help, it is almost impossible for commoner to play this game. We have to purchase equipment from abroad during the events, which is a major reason behind we lack far behind than our competitors.”

18-year-old Yaisn Jan said: “It is my very first international event and I am fully focused and determined to play major role in helping my team lift title. I have started playing bowling only a couple of month back and I am grateful to PTBF secretary Ijaz Ur Rehman for providing equal opportunities to each and every individual. We must leave for USA at least one-week prior to start of the tournament, as we need to adopt the conditions to brighten our chances of doing well in the mega event.”