Bowling inclusion in 2003 SEAG mulled

Tenpin bowling, a Philippine stronghold in regional competition, may be included in the 2003 Southeast Asian Games calendar in Vietnam.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit said yesterday that there were reports host Vietnam was considering its earlier decision to drop tenpin bowling from next year’s biennal meet program.

"I had it from a reliable source in the SEAG Federation that Vietnam might reconsider bowling in next year’s SEAG edition," said Dayrit, who attended the SEAG Federation meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week.

"This is because almost everybody requested for bowling’s inclusion. And besides, they have facilities and bowling alleys to run the event," he added.

According to Dayrit, Vietnam has named 21 sports as priority events while deferring action on 15 other disciplines, including boxing, billiards, snookers, archery and fencing.

Tenpin bowling, which was officially introduced in the SEAG in the 1975 edition, golf, traditional boat race, squash and yachting were among the events which were not given priority by the host country.

Led by Leonardo "Botchok" Rey, the RP squad won four gold, six silver and one bronze medals in bowling in last year’s SEAG in Kuala Lumpur and its exclusion in 2003 deals a big blow to the country’s campaign.

Unlike tenpin bowling, golf, on the other hand, might not just make it to the SEAG program next year. Golf produced one gold for the Philippines in the Kuala Lumpur thanks to Juvic Pagunsan’s victory.

"It appears that Vietnam is thinking on excluding golf next year. I lobbied for its inclusion and I hope Vietnam reconsiders," said Dayrit.

Dayrit said that the SEAG executive committee would at best hold 33 disciplines for the Games which unfolds Dec. 6. The final roster would be finalized when the SEAGF meets again in October this year.