(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Jassim Mohamed Al Muraikhi is not daunted by the big names entered in the 10-pin Bowling competition at the Ashgabat 2017 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. His only concern is how long he has to wait for the competition to begin.
The 18-year-old displays all the impatience of youth but Al Muraikhi said age means nothing in Bowling.
'It doesn't matter whether you are younger or older, said Al Muraikhi, who competed as a 15 year old at the Asian Games in 2014, 'It's about how you handle the pressure and your nerves.
Spoken like a veteran, but an examination of his family history in the sport reveals strong ties that go back a long way.
'My uncle (Ahmed Shaheen) won the 1999 World Cup in Las Vegas and my Dad (Hazeem Al Muraikhi) was an Asian champion and has been the national team coach, he said.
Al Muraikhi's heritage does not make the tough competition at these Games, which begins tomorrow at the Bowling Centre, any easier.
Hardest to beat may be the Republic of Korea players. As the host nation at the Incheon 2013 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Korea won seven medals - one gold, three silver and three bronze medals. It has won 21 medals at the three previous Games, the most of any NOC.
Giving Al Muraikhi competition in the Singles event will be Shaker Ali Mohammed Hussain Al Hassan (UAE), who has competed in every edition of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and his experienced rival Choi Bokeum (KOR).
Also returning from Incheon 2013 are Mak Cheuk Yin (HKG) and Wu Sui Hong (HKG), who were members of the gold-medal winning men's team that year.
Chinese Taipei could also be a threat on the women's side after winning the Team of Four at Incheon 2013.
Turkmenistan will face some formidable NOC's in its inaugural appearance at the Games. It is an inexperienced team that will be looking to take advantage of having home-lane.
The absence of two notable NOC's - Singapore, who won two gold and two bronze medals, and Japan, who took a silver and two bronze, at Incheon 2013 - will be a boost to the Turkmen team's morale.
New Caledonia is also making its debut at the Games with a man and a woman entered in the Singles events. Roger Jean Ruiz (NCL) and Malia Falakika Takatai (NCL), who are husband and wife, are also the only two athletes from New Caledonia competing at the Games.
One hundred and four bowlers from 18 delegations will be vying for the six bowling gold medals up for grabs at Ashgabat 2017.
They will compete in Singles, Doubles and the Team of Four event during the seven-day competition.
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