Holloway cherishes Nathan as close friend, team captain and life advisor

Former greats: Datuk Dr P.S. Nathan and Holloway Cheah were teammates in the 1978 Bangkok Asiad squad.

PETALING JAYA: For legendary bowling coach Holloway Cheah, the loss of Datuk Dr. P.S. Nathan is difficult to bear.

Nathan was not only his national team captain and the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) president, but also a dear friend who was always there for him.

MTBC announced yesterday morning that their former president passed away on Sunday evening.

Nathan, who formed MTBC in 1974, led the organisation until stepping down in May this year.

Holloway fondly recalled Nathan’s resilience as the captain of the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games squad.

“He was my teammate, president, and a life advisor. We chatted every day.

“Nathan wasn’t only present during my bowling career; he was also there to offer personal advice. He was always willing to help ... that’s just who he was,” said Holloway.

“When we won our first Asiad gold medal at the 1978 Bangkok Games, Nathan was the captain. I remember how hostile the crowd was at that tournament.

“The situation was out of control, and many teams considered walking out. But Nathan stood firm and told us to stay and play. Usually, these decisions are made by the chef de mission or team managers, but as captain, he stepped up and insisted we continue.

“It turned out to be the right decision because we became champions. His leadership also inspired other teams to stay and compete. That showed his love for the sport and his exceptional leadership.”

A former Asian Games gold medallist and a consultant dermatologist by profession, Nathan played a pivotal role in elevating Malaysian bowling to world-class standards.

He was instrumental in getting bowling included in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, the only time the sport has been featured in the Games’ history.

Holloway also credited Nathan for his own successful coaching career.

“There was a time I considered retiring, but Nathan encouraged me to stay on, and it was worth it because we went on to win several more Asian and world tournaments.

“His passing is a great loss to the sport. Without him, bowling in Malaysia wouldn’t have seen the level of success it enjoys today. He brought the sport from obscurity to one that has won numerous accolades around the world.”

MTBC secretary general Maradona Chok shared how much Nathan had taught him about sports administration.

“He always reminded me to look at situations from all perspectives and to put the sport first. He would say, ‘That’s all we can do, try to do our best.’ That’s a lesson I carry with me,” said Maradona.

“Dr. Nathan brought me into the MTBC set-up 11 years ago as a general manager and taught me everything I know about sports administration. He was a thoughtful and patient teacher who guided me every step of the way.”

Legendary bowler Datuk Shalin Zulkifli said it is now time for the current set of bowling administrators to carry on Nathan’s legacy in Malaysia.

“We will continue his work and strive to bring Malaysian bowling to even greater heights in his honour. Dr. Nathan was passionate and detail-oriented about bowling until his final days. He has done so much for the sport,” she said.

Former bowler Adrian Ang called him the “main man” of the sport and reminisced about his signature sense of style.

“I remember him as the main man, always dressed in a white suit. He was smart and strict – you couldn’t fool him when it came to bowling.

“He always found solutions, which I found fascinating,” said Adrian.