Kuala Lumpur bowling championship celebrates 50th anniversary with record prize money

The Kuala Lumpur Tenpin Bowling Association (KLTBA) is marking its 50th anniversary with a significant event: the MILO 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Open Bowling Championship. This special edition boasts a total prize pool of RM355,820.

The championship, scheduled to take place from June 13 to 21 at Sunway Mega Lanes, Sunway Pyramid, is anticipated to be the largest edition yet. It will host Malaysia's national squad alongside professional bowlers from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Prominent Malaysian bowlers expected to compete include world champion Muhammad Rafiq Ismail, former Asian champion Timmy Tan, Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam, Natasha Roslan, and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman.

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For five decades, KLTBA has remained committed to developing bowling at all levels, from grassroots and youth programs to elite and para competitions.

KLTBA President Tan Sri Mohd Noor Abdul Rahim stated that the Golden Jubilee makes this year's event particularly meaningful. "For five decades, KLTBA has remained committed to developing bowling at all levels, from grassroots and youth programs to elite and para competitions," he said. "We are proud that KLIO continues to be a platform that brings together national players, international professionals, para athletes, and young talent under one roof."

Beyond the elite competition, KLIO26 also sets a record with 270 para athletes from Malaysia and Singapore participating. This inclusion reinforces the championship's status as a crucial platform for bowling development in the country. The overall prize money has also increased by RM50,000 compared to the previous edition, with the Mixed Open champion taking home RM30,000.

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We are proud that KLIO continues to be a platform that brings together national players, international professionals, para athletes, and young talent under one roof.