On 14 June 2010, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced the approval of Tenpin Bowling’s classification as a Category Two sport, thus securing its eligibility for inclusion by prospective candidate cities.

An elated Mrs. Jessie Phua, President, Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ), who made the presentation in person on 7 June 2010 to the CGF Sports Committee in London said, “This is indeed an invigorating development for our Sport as we work towards the Olympic arches”.

Tenpin Bowling has been a worthy participant in both the Adult and Youth Commonwealth Games. It has an exemplary reputation as well-organised, disciplined and drug-free. In 1998, the sport made its historic inaugural appearance at the XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bowling was contested in a state-of-the-art Bowling Centre by 15 Commonwealth countries in front of a capacity audience, with medals awarded in five events: Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s and Women’s Singles. Again, in 2004, the sport was chosen by the Organising Committee of the II Commonwealth Youth Games as part of its Sports Program in Bendigo, Australia.

Tenpin Bowling has not however, been on the Commonwealth Games official programme since. Instead, a Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championship was organized:

• In 2002, the inaugural Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships were held in Stirling, Scotland

• In 2005, the 2nd Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships were held in Paphos, Cyprus

• In 2006, the 3rd Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships were held in Melbourne, Australia

• In 2008, the 4th Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships were held in Belfast, N. Ireland

The lead up to Tenpin Bowling’s classification as a Category Two sport has been the result of nearly three years of consistent lobbying, meetings and presentations by Mrs. Phua. Mrs. Jessie Phua believes that we have now demonstrated our credentials to stage an exciting, entertaining tournament that will enhance the popular appeal of future Commonwealth Games.

FIQ and the CTBF family look toward 2018 Commonwealth Games!

In the picture from left to right:  Hon. Michael Fennell OJ,CD. President, Commonwealth Games Federation; Ms. Jessie Phua, President of FIQ; HRH Prince Imran, Vice President, Commonwealth Games Federation.