KUALA LUMPUR — Political instability, particularly in the Middle East, and more recently in Thailand and Cambodia, is becoming a growing concern for the local sports scene.
While there is no official travel ban from Wisma Putra, it is understood that National Sports Associations (NSAs) have been given the discretion to decide whether or not to send athletes abroad.
Recently, the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) withdrew its athletes from the World Junior Championships in Egypt, citing the tense political climate in the Middle East — especially the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
The situation has also raised concern within the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC), which sent 16 junior athletes to Doha, Qatar, for the Asian Junior Championships that began today.
Amid heightened concerns over regional instability, there were also worries that Malaysia’s elite bowlers could be stranded in Bangkok — where they are competing in the Thailand Open — following a deadly clash between Thai and Cambodian military forces on Thursday.
Fortunately, through the intervention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a ceasefire was brokered today.
Speaking to Scoop from Qatar, MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok said: “When news of the clashes broke, there was some concern that the country might go into lockdown or curfew. However, all is well as our bowlers returned to Malaysia safely this afternoon.
“Political instability is increasingly becoming a concern. We’re addressing these issues with our athletes, ensuring they remain calm and safe in the event of any emergency.”
Despite the tense backdrop, Malaysia’s top bowlers put on a commendable performance in Bangkok yesterday.
In the men’s open, Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddin clinched the gold medal, while Syazirol Shamsuddin took bronze. Singapore’s Mike One claimed silver.
In the women’s open, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman finished with silver after falling to Singapore’s Charmaine Chang in the stepladder final. Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal earned the bronze. — July 25, 2025
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