Malaysian Sports Day Bowling Tournament 2026

The Embassy of Malaysia in Brussels organised a bowling tournament on Saturday, 10 October 2026, in conjunction with Malaysia's National Sports Day, known as Hari Sukan Negara. Hosted and officiated by H.E. Dato’ Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, Ambassador of Malaysia to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, the tournament welcomed 40 players representing different nationalities and professional backgrounds. Participants included Embassy personnel, fellow Malaysians, members of the Malaysian Association of Belgium and Luxembourg (MABL), officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS), and other friends of the Embassy. The tournament featured 10 competing teams across 10 bowling lanes. Participants played three games before the event concluded with an award ceremony recognising the winners. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with participants cheering one another on and engaging in friendly competition. Beyond the competition, the event provided an opportunity for Malaysians living abroad to reconnect and for international participants to engage with Malaysian culture and community through sport.

The tournament opened with welcome remarks from the Embassy, followed by remarks from Ambassador Khalid, who highlighted the importance of balancing increasingly digital daily activities with an active and healthy lifestyle.

Participants then took to the lanes for three games. The event was characterised by cheers, laughter, smiles and encouragement among players, creating an informal setting for participants from different professional and cultural backgrounds to interact.

The tournament concluded with the announcement of the results, presentation of prizes and group photographs.

Among the 10 competing teams, the Ambassador's team emerged as champion in the Best Team Category. The team comprised Ambassador Khalid, his spouse Madam Aniza, Second Secretary Mohamad, and his spouse Fiza.

Madam Aniza also received individual recognition, winning the Highest Pins for Women award and finishing as First Runner-Up in the Best Women's Category.

Interview quotes and perspectives

H.E. Dato’ Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak Ambassador of Malaysia to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union: "Wonderful turnout, two hours on the lanes enjoying three energetic games filled with sportsmanship, great camaraderie, and friendly competition".

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Khalid also emphasised the importance of balancing daily activities, which are increasingly conducted digitally, with an active and healthy lifestyle.

Asha Menon, Vice President, Global Customs Regulatory Affairs, DHL Express; Malaysian resident in Belgium and MABL member: “Fun, excellent event. Thank you to the Ambassador and the Embassy for hosting the event and honouring the Hari Sukan Negara (National Sports Day) where us Malaysians can come together. When we are overseas, we jump on the opportunity to come together”.

Menon highlighted the value of gathering with fellow Malaysians while living abroad, explaining that opportunities to reconnect and maintain a sense of community are especially meaningful for those living outside their home country.

Maria Nieves, Administrative Agent for Southeast Asia, European External Action Service (EEAS): “My most memorable part was when I entered!”

Nieves recalled how lovely and warm it was when she arrived at the venue, being welcomed nd cheered on.

Olivia Lori Iglesias Ucendo, Senior Communications Officer, European Youth Forum; EU content creator “This was my first experience with Malaysia!”

Iglesias Ucendo appreciated the opportunity to experience a Malaysian community event through bowling. She highlighted how she loved the friendly atmosphere and bowling/sports format which allowed people to socialise and connect without the formality often associated with professional networking.