Muaz says goodbye after 16 years of highs and lows on the lanes

Ahmad Muaz Fishol celebrates after winning team gold medal at the Asian Championships in 2023.

PETALING JAYA: Bowler Ahmad Muaz Fishol has decided to call it a day, bringing the curtain down on a 16-year career with the national team.

The 33-year-old admitted that stepping away from the sport he loves was no easy decision after dedicating so much of his life to bowling.

One for all: National bowlers led by Ahmad Muaz Fishol (centre) show medals after good outing at Asian Championships in 2023.

"I’ve spent 16 years doing what I love, and saying goodbye to this chapter is definitely not something I take lightly," said Muaz in a social media post.

"I’ve travelled to so many places, competed against some of the best bowlers in the world, stood on podiums, and had the privilege of representing my country."

While his journey had its ups and downs, Muaz was thankful for the opportunities given to him, even when there was doubt from within and others around him.

"There were times I questioned myself, felt disappointed and wondered if I still had it in me.

"There were also people who thought my best days were already over.

"Even after all these years, I was still given the chance to win, to compete, and to show that I still had something to give. For that, I’ll always be grateful," he said.

Malaysian bowler Ahmad Muaz Fishol in action during the SEA Games in Manila, Philippines. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star.

The Penangite also expressed his appreciation to his teammates, Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress, National Sports Institute, National Sports Council, and supporters who have cheered for him.

 

"I thank my wife and son for their support and understanding, and my parents for introducing the sport to me and for their guidance," said Muaz.

 

Muaz was part of the team that won Malaysia’s first men’s team gold at the World Cup last year, and took bronze at this year’s edition in Munich last month.

 

The other achievements includes trios gold at the 2015 Singapore SEA Games; silver at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games; titles at Hong Kong Open (2026), Malaysian Open (2019) and Indonesian Open (2016).

 

Muaz stressed that he was walking away from the sport entirely.

 

"This isn’t the end of my bowling story. Just a new chapter in life. This sport has given me so much, and it will always be part of me.

 

"Thank you, Malaysia. It has truly been an honour."