Sarawak’s Ethan eyes Sukma redemption on familiar turf

PETALING JAYA: National back-up bowler Ethan Damien Goh was just 14 when he made his Malaysia Games (Sukma) debut at the 2024 edition in his home city, Kuching.

But it turned out to be an outing to forget, as he left without a medal, a result he admitted he never saw coming.

Fast forward to 2026, and the now 16-year-old is back for a second shot at Sukma glory, this time in Selangor, on the very lanes where he trains regularly with the national team, the Sunway Megalanes, from Aug 17-22.

And he wants to make it count for Sarawak.

“This will be my second Sukma. When I played my first Sukma in Sarawak, I wasn’t good – I didn’t really expect that performance from me. But I will do my best this year,” said Ethan.

Ethan has emerged as one of Malaysia’s brightest young bowling talents.

He first drew national attention in 2023 when, at just 13, he swept the Brunswick Youth Challenge Under-13, Under-16 and Under-23 titles and became the first Malaysian bowler to roll a perfect game in step-ladder finals.

His rise continued in April 2025, when he became the youngest-ever men’s champion at the Malaysian Open, aged 15, before completing a rare double by also winning the men’s Masters title.

He also represented Malaysia at the World Youth Championships in Sarawak this year.

“Preparations have been fine. I feel Sarawak are strong and we have been training hard for this,” said Ethan.

“The expectations are definitely high since I’m in the national back-up squad. I just try to keep myself calm by not thinking about it too much.

“The singles event will definitely be a tough fight for everyone, and my target for Sukma is to try and get a gold medal.”

On the state of the sport nationally, Ethan is optimistic.

“The growth of bowling in Malaysia is good – there are a lot of young bowlers with amazing talent. I wish to emulate Jason Belmonte,” he said, referencing the Australian two-handed bowling great.

Balancing school and sport remains a daily grind for the teenager.

“I’m studying at Maple Leaf Kingsley International School but doing fine balancing both studies and sport,” he said.