Celebrated bowler Rafiq will keep adding to his roll of honour

PETALING JAYA: For national bowler Rafiq Ismail, newspaper clippings are more than keepsakes – they tell the story of a journey forged through grit and perseverance.

While satisfied with what he has achieved so far, Rafiq, who turned 29 on May 24, is far from finished.

He has set his sights on adding more honours to an already decorated career.

Rafiq also acknowledged the role of media coverage in helping to grow the sport locally, singling out The Star for its longstanding support.

“I’m thankful that The Star has consistently covered and promoted bowling. It has helped the sport grow in Malaysia, especially by highlighting our achievements,” he said.

“It inspires the younger generation. I’m always happy seeing my mum’s collection of my newspaper clippings — and even happier seeing how proud she is every time she reads about me.”

In a lane of his own: Rafiq Ismail has held the distinction of being Asia’s No. 1 bowler since 2021.

Looking back on his journey, the Kuala Lumpur-born athlete admitted that success has never come easy.

“The path I’ve chosen is not an easy one, but I will always strive to make the country proud,” he said.

That sense of duty has underpinned his rise from a promising youngster into a world-class competitor.

His breakthrough came emphatically at the World Championships in 2018, where he clinched the singles gold.

He added a Masters gold medal at the Jakarta Asian Games that year and has since established himself as a dominant force in the region, highlighted by a stunning four-gold haul at the Asian Championships in 2023.

Posing with his SEA Games gold medal in Thailand last year.

Rafiq has held the distinction of being Asia’s No. 1 since 2021, a testament to both his skill and remarkable consistency.

Yet, for all the achievements and accolades, 2026 has presented a different kind of challenge.

Rafiq endured a difficult stint on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) circuit, competing in three tournaments — including the prestigious PBA Players Championship and US Open as well as the Pete Weber Classic.

Results, however, did not go his way.

“My PBA experience this year was not good,” he said.

“But from those tournaments, I’ve learned a lot. I know what I need to improve, both mentally and physically.”

Becoming a proud dad after the birth of his son, Mohd Yusuf, in 2024.

It is this willingness to confront setbacks head-on that has defined Rafiq’s career.

Rather than dwell on disappointment, he views the experience as part of a larger process in his bid to achieve more.

“My target is to be selected for the Asian Championships team,” he said.

“That will be our biggest tournament of the year, along with the World Cup.”

Away from competition, however, the year has carried far greater emotional weight.

This year’s Hari Raya was Rafiq’s first without his father, Ismail Nimat, a loss that has reshaped his perspective on life.

“It’s been a different Raya. It’s my first year without him,” he shared.

“Now I have greater responsibility — to take care of my wife, my son and my mother.”

His son, Mohd Yusuf, has become a constant source of strength.

“I’m happy to see my son doing well, and I’m thankful to my family for taking care of things when I’m away competing,” he said.

“Bowling is my life. Through the sport, I’ve met amazing people, experienced different cultures and travelled the world.

“Most importantly, it allows me to provide for my family. It’s always an honour to wear the Malaysian flag wherever I go.”