MBSF chart course to 2026 World Championships

MBSF chart course to 2026 World Championships and 2027 SEA Games after four-medal showing in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 December: The Malaysian Boules Sport Federation (MBSF) has begun laying the groundwork towards the 34th SEA Games in 2027 and the 51st Men's Triplettes World Championships & the 17th Precision Shooting World Championship next year after concluding a comprehensive post-Games review of the national team’s performance at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.

Acting President Cheah Ban Cheng said the assessment was carried out following a detailed report submitted by team manager Mariah Abdullah, who also serves as MBSF executive secretary, with the objective of strengthening Malaysia’s preparations for the upcoming major international assignments — both of which will be hosted on home soil.

“At the Thailand SEA Games, our pétanque team successfully achieved the four-medal target that was set prior to the competition. This reflects the commitment, discipline and fighting spirit shown by the players throughout the past week,” said Cheah.

Malaysia concluded their campaign with four bronze medals, delivered through men’s shooting, mixed doubles, and both the men’s and women’s triples events.

The medals were won by Nuzul Azwan Ahmad Temizi in the men’s shooting, the mixed doubles pairing of Ayzek Hakimi Safingan–Sharifah Afiqah Farzana Syed Ali, the men’s triples combination of Khairul Amirul Zamrulhisham, Mohamad Muqri Arif Mohamad Sapiny and Syed Afiq Fakhri Syed Ali, and the women’s triples team of Jasnina Jasmine Johan, Nur Durratul Sahira Yazit and Thadis Henhera Vennice.

Cheah noted that while the medal target was met, the post-Games review also identified clear areas for improvement as Malaysia aim to progress beyond podium finishes and challenge for higher medal colours in future editions.

“The overall assessment shows that our players possess solid technical skills and strong individual ability. They were competitive against top regional opponents and displayed good teamwork and resilience throughout the Games,” he said.

“However, the review also highlighted a gap at the higher competitive level, particularly in tactical execution and in-game decision-making during critical moments.”

According to the assessment, added Cheah, tactical elements such as reading opponents, controlling tempo, shot selection and adapting to changing match situations play a decisive role at SEA Games level, and will be a key focus area moving forward.

Cheah also stressed that strengthening the team’s tactical framework — both in preparation and during competition — will be essential as Malaysia prepares for a new cycle.

“We recognise the importance of strong tactical leadership and clear in-game guidance. Enhancing this aspect will help our players manage pressure better and convert close matches into higher-value medals,” he said.

Looking ahead, Cheah stressed that the upcoming period presents a significant opportunity for Malaysian pétanque, with Malaysia set to host the 52nd World Pétanque Championships next year, followed by the 34th SEA Games in 2027.

“These two major events, especially the SEA Games on home ground, provide us with a clear timeline and motivation to raise our performance standards. The focus now is on refining our tactical approach, strengthening mental resilience, and ensuring our players receive the best possible support to compete at the highest level,” he said.

“With focused improvements, greater exposure to high-level international competition, and a strengthened coaching structure, we believe the Malaysian pétanque team has the potential to challenge more strongly for silver and gold medals in future major championships.”

Cheah reiterated that MBSF remains fully committed to long-term athlete development and building a team capable of delivering strong results when Malaysia takes centre stage as host nation in the years ahead.