Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s junior bowler Muhammad Danish Hakim Fadzil Abd Ghani finished second in the Peter Yap Cup National Championships 2023 held at Sunway Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid, Selangor on Saturday.
The 13-year-old SMK Sanzac student knocked down 638 pins and only lost by one pin to champion Nyak Arif Hakimi from Penang who had won gold in the Men’s Team Interstate Championship 2023 two days earlier.
It was also Danish’s first podium finish outside the State and he attributed the success to the support of his family members, friends and coaches.
“I am very grateful to get second place in this tournament. This is also my first success outside Sabah. I am able to achieve my dream as a result of unwavering support from my parents, family and friends.
“Thank you to all the coaches who taught me since I was nine years old and coach Hafiy who guided me from the beginning of the game to the end during the tournament,” he said after the game.
Sabah Tenpin Bowling Association president Rozzainny Sham Talip said it was a historic feat for the sport in the State as no one from Sabah had ever finished on the podium in the competition before Saturday.
“Danish did very well to finish second by beating 77 other bowlers. He has also created history as the first Sabahan to get a podium finish in this tournament.
“I hope he will remain focused and train even harder to achieve more success in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Danish’s father Fadzil Abd Ghani expressed his gratitude to the State body, Sabah Sports Council, coaches, his school and teachers for their guidance and support.
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