The Architect of Modern Bowls: A Tribute to Lachlan Tighe
The Architect of Modern Bowls: A Tribute to Lachlan Tighe
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Lachlan Tighe: A visionary coach and a giant of the game.
The bowls world has lost a true visionary. Lachlan Tighe, a legendary figure in international lawn bowls, has passed away.
Tighe was a transformative coach who challenged traditional norms and brought a high-performance, evidence-based approach to the sport. Whether as a National Development Manager for Bowls Australia or while guiding international teams to success at the Commonwealth Games, his impact was global.
Beyond his impressive tactical resume and work with world-class athletes, he was a dedicated educator. Through his books—most notably Lawn Bowls: The Winners' Way—and his structured training methodologies, he reshaped how players and coaches at every level practice, think about, and perform in the game.
Lachlan’s legacy transcends the trophies he helped win; it lives on in the thousands of athletes and coaches who now approach the game with greater purpose and clarity. His dedication to the craft has forever changed the landscape of lawn bowls, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of learning from him. ⬛
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Malaysian Open / The Royal Patron’s Cup will be a sanctioned Gold classification event on the World Bowls Series calendar in 2026 .
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗔𝗝𝗔 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗛𝗜𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗛 𝗢𝗟Y
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗔𝗝𝗔 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗛𝗜𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗛 𝗢𝗟Y
The Olympic Council of Malaysia (NOC Malaysia) express its deepest condolences to the family of H.E. Raja Randhir SINGH OLY, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 27th May 2026, at the age of 80.
H.E. Raja Randhir SINGH OLY had an illustrious career in sports, both as an athlete and as a sports administrator. He competed in five (5) Olympic Games and four (4) Asian Games in Shooting, securing a gold medal at the 8th Asian Games Bangkok 1978 and a bronze medal at the 9th Asian Games Delhi 1982. His extensive experience as sports administrator included several significant roles, namely Secretary General of NOC India (1987-2014), Secretary General of OCA (1991-2015), IOC Member (2001-2014), IOC Honorary Member (since 2014), Life Vice President of OCA (since 2015), Acting President of OCA (2021-2024), President of OCA (2024-2026) and Honorary Life President of OCA (since 2026).
“On behalf of the Olympic family in Southeast Asia, we express our profound sadness over the passing of our former President of OCA, Raja Randhir SINGH” stated Dr. Norza ZAKARIA, President of NOC Malaysia, President of Southeast Asian Games Federation and Vice President of OCA for Southeast Asia Zone.
“We highly respect and acknowledge his significant legacy for the Olympic Movement in Asia, especially during the challenging period faced by the OCA from 2021 to 2024. Through his exceptional leadership, he protected and upheld the Olympic Movement in Asia, while ensuring the successful organization of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, held from 23rd September to 8th October 2023 in Hangzhou, China”.
“One of my most memorable moments with Raja Randhir SINGH was when I was first elected as Vice President of the OCA for the Southeast Asia Zone during the 44th OCA General Assembly on Sunday, 8th September 2024, in New Delhi, India, he has strongly supported my first legacy initiative for the OCA in establishing the Asian High Performance Badminton Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and signed the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the OCA, NOC Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia”.
“The contributions of Raja Randhir SINGH to the Olympic Movement will always be fondly remembered by all of us” he concluded.⬛
7 NATIONS LAWN BOWLS INVITATION 2026
7 NATIONS LAWN BOWLS INVITATION 2026
HOST MALAYSIA MAKES A CLEAN SWEEP
HOST MALAYSIA MAKES A CLEAN SWEEP
MALAYSIA wrapped up the '7 Nations Lawn Bowls Invitation 2026' in style at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.
The 2025 inaugural World Cup champions snatched all four gold medals and the overall title in the 4-day competition.
The 2 events competed were for singles and pairs (men and women).
The participating teams include New Zealand, India, Northern Territory Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong China.
Malaysia had three teams - senior, podium and back-up squads.
The friendly meet was not short of excitement and competitiveness.
As all four finals were decided by tie-break sets.
The home team's unheralded men's and women's pairs stole the show.
Nur Syafira-Nurul Balqis stunned the 2025 World Cup champion pair from Hong Kong China - Cheryl Chan-Helen Cheung (6-4, 5-6, 1-0)
While Naufal Azmi and Fadley Jabal edged the pair from Northern Territory Australia - Alex Brennan-Trystan Smallacombe ( 3-6, 10-0, 1-0)
In the men's singles Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple of Malaysia defeated New Zealand's seasoned hand Shannon Mcilroy (5-8, 8-2, 1-0).
While former World No.1 Nor Farah Ain had to come from a set down to edge India's Nayonmoni Saikia (4-12, 12-2, 1-0).
Nor Farah had earlier defeated compatriot 2025 World Cup winner Emma Firyana Saroji in the semis.⬛
World Cup 2025: LET the show begin!
World Cup 2025: LET the show begin!
Video: "World Cup 2025" by World Bowls via Facebook
Video: "Day 1, done and delivered!" by Bowls Malaysia via Facebook
From intense matches to heartwarming moments, our first day set the tone for an amazing tournament ahead
Catch the highlights — proudly powered by CelcomDigi
World Cup 2025
4 - 8 November 2025
Arena Lawn Bowls Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Official Links:
Event Info: worldbowls.com/world-cup-2025
Results & Draw: results.mc.worldbowls.com
Watch Every Session Live and Free on YouTube: youtube.com/@world_bowls
Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh graced the Opening of the inaugural 'World Cup 2025' in Bukit Kiara - promising top class action!
"What a privilege and honor it is for Malaysia to host the inaugural 'World Cup 2025' in Kuala Lumpur."
"It is the World Cup held in Malaysia."
She inspired the teams, reminding them that they represent the best of a combined population of 2 billion people from 12 nations.
"This means a lot for the athletes and I am sure they have a story to tell of how they have overcome challenges."
Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) President Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz reminded the participants that victory is not measured by medals alone but by friendship they build and the memories they create."
He also thanked the sponsors, who have made this event possible in Malaysia.
Especially - Celcomdigi as the Platinum Sponsor for their unwavering support and Partnership.
Also to SD Guthrie and Affin Bank the 'Gold Sponsors' for their commitment and confidence in Bowls Malaysia.
And not to forget Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) - an agency under the Minstry of Tourism Art and Culture and Malaysia for your invaluable support in position this event on the World stage.
World Bowls President Brett O'Riley thanked Bowls Malaysia for accepting the challenge of hosting the inaugural 'World Cup 2025.
He credited Malaysia, who took under 6 months to stage this international event.
"The energy shown to put up this show is simply amazing."
The opening ceremony was colourful, simple and significant.
The DBKL's dance troupe from the Department of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports entertained the crowd at the Covered Stadium.⬛
World Cup 2025: Bukit Kiara Buzz
World Cup 2025: Bukit Kiara Buzz
A LIGHTER MOMENT
A LIGHTER MOMENT
THE formidable Malaysian women's team in high spirits ahead of the 'World Cup 2025' in Bukit Kiara.
From left are Team Coach Erda Firdayu Saroji, Nurul Alyani Jamil, Emma Firyana Saroji and Jariah Zakaria (para athlete).
ITO SUPPORT
ITO SUPPORT
ABOUT 20 International Technical Officials (ITO) are in attendance for the 'World Cup 2025' at Bukit Kiara.
They come from 7 different nations - Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong China, Wales, Scotland and Malaysia.
The four from the host nation are Muhd Hassan, Azmil Razak, Mahadi Mohamed and Norhanizah Mohd.
These officials are responsible for managing the event, ensuring fair play, and overseeing technical aspects of the tournament.
'MALAYSIA'S BEST' ON DISPLAY
'MALAYSIA'S BEST' ON DISPLAY
THE Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) have put on display fruits and souvenir products for the International Lawn Bowls Community here in Bukit Kiara.
World Cup 2025: Bowls Action & Global Camaraderie
World Cup 2025: Bowls Action & Global Camaraderie
Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) President Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz (right) inspecting final preparations with venue manager Fairul Izwan Abdul Muin at the Juara Indoor Stadium in Bukit Kiara ahead of 'World Cup 2025'.
FORMER Para athlete K. Balaji's 'electric wheelchair' is a hit at the Juara Indoor Stadium in Bukit Kiara.
South Africa's Para team official Denise Field (right) was attracted to it and so were officials from Canada.
PARA Athletes from Canada - Jack Smart (left) and Anne Hibbert (centre) in a training session in Bukit Kiara.
SOUTH Africa's Wayne Roberts (right) and Bridget Herselman testing the lanes at the Indoor portable rink in Bukit Kiara.
READY TO ROLL...ACCREDITATION PASSES FOR THE 'WORLD CUP 2025'.
Selina Goddard of New Zealand is all smiles ahead of the 'World Cup 2025'.
WORLD CUP 2025 - JUST LIKE HOME
WORLD CUP 2025 - JUST LIKE HOME
ALL SMILES.....New Zealand's World No.3 women singles player Selina Goddard (right) ready for the 'World Cup 2025' in Bukit Kiara. Looking on (from left) - Malaysia head coach Zuraidi Puteh, New Zealand head coach Mike Kernaghan and Bowls Asia President Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz.
NOV 2
WORLD No.3 - women singles player Selina Goddard of New Zealand is all smiles ahead of the 'World Cup 2025'.
The Kiwi has settled down well with the competition barely two days away.
"The portable-rink is gorgeous ... amazing," said Selina, 31 after her first session testing the lanes in Bukit Kiara.
"The speed is quite similar to what we have back at home.
"Am already feeling quite comfortable here."
Selina will play in singles and partner Katelyn Inch in pairs.⬛
WORLD CUP 2025 - TEAM POWER
WORLD CUP 2025 - TEAM POWER
ALL SET ... Team India for the World Cup 2025. From left Putul Sonowal, Dinesh Kumar, Nilima Ray, Nayanmoni Saikia and Ruparani Tirkey.
NOV 2
INDIA'S dynamic duo - Rupa Rani Tirkey and Nayonmani Saikia thrives mainly in team events.
Almost all their major achievements come from the fours and triples competitions.
Rupa Rani is an international lawn bowler who skipped the Indian team to a historic gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
"Our strength is mainly in team events.
"We will give our best shot in the singles and pairs event."⬛
WORLD CUP 2025 - COACH ZURAIDI PUTEH (MAS)
WORLD CUP 2025 - COACH ZURAIDI PUTEH (MAS)
HE is affectionately known as "Coach Eddie" within the World Bowls Community. A flamboyant person, who has witnessed the national team's rise firsthand.
Last year, he received a major national award in recognition of his achievements.
He was named the National Men's Coach of the Year at the 2023 National Sports Awards.
What more does Malaysia head coach Zuraidi Puteh hopes to achieve from the inaugural 'WORLD CUP 2025' in Kuala Lumpur (Nov 4-8)? Zuraidi speaks his mind in an exclusive interview with BOWLS ASIA.
THE 'WORLD CUP 2025' FEVER IS ON !
THE 'WORLD CUP 2025' FEVER IS ON !
PARA athlete Sally-Ann Lewis-Wall of England (left) with coach Helen Lewis testing out the portable rink in Bukit Kiara.
KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the international lawn bowls community have started to arrive in batches.
The Para Athlete from England - Sally-Ann Lewis-Wal and coach Helen Lewis are the first to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Sally-Ann is a prominent figure in English bowls, competing in both - para and non-para - competitions.
"Have come in early to acclimatise and get a feel of the portable rink. It's very nice and good."
Coach Helen said: "Sally's got as good of a chance as anyone ... she competes in England with the non-disabled players with strong performances."
The Indian team have also arrived with their strongest line-up led by - Putul Sonowal, Dinesh Kumar, Nayanmoni Saikia, Ruparani Tirkey, Utpal Basumatari and Nilima Ray.
Rupa and Nayanmoni are from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games gold medal winners in the fours event.
The duo also featured in the 2023 Asian Championships defeating host Malaysia in the final.⬛
HOST MALAYSIA IS A GOLD MEDAL PROSPECT
HOST MALAYSIA IS A GOLD MEDAL PROSPECT
Bowls Malaysia president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz (left) with tournament director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Zin (right) at the World Cup Press Conference.
MALAYSIA aims to deliver a gold medal at the inaugural 'World Cup 2025' in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Bowls Malaysia president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz said the gold could come from any one of the 7 events.
"I do not wish to name from who (event) but we have potential to win one gold," he said during the Press Conference for the 'WC2025' in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
BEHIND THE SCENES
BEHIND THE SCENES
FINAL TOUCH UP
FINAL TOUCH UP
Work in progress at the National Lawn Bowls Centre in Bukit Kiara ahead of the inaugural 'World Cup 2025". The background shows the Juara Indoor Stadium, where the 'portable rinks' have been installed.
FRESH LOOK
FRESH LOOK
Sprucing up the lawn bowls scoreboard ahead of the 'World Cup 2025' at the covered stadium in Bukit Kiara.
ALL SET...
ALL SET...
The placards in place ahead of the opening ceremony for the 'World Cup 2025 in Bukit Kiara.
MALAYSIAN COP AIMS FOR THE BIG ONE !
MALAYSIAN COP AIMS FOR THE BIG ONE !
WORLD CUP 2025!
EVENTS
Men - singles, pairs, para
Women - singles, pairs, para
Mixed pairs - para
COMPETING TEAMS
Australia, Scotland, England, Canada, Wales, India, Hong Kong China, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, USA and Malaysia.
MALAYSIA LAWN BOWLS FEDERATION (MLBF)
MUHAMMAD Soufi Rusli has not won a world title.
The best was a silver (2017 singles) and two bronzes (2016 singles, 2023 pairs).
Soufi has a chance to make that dream come true - as a world champion in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Malaysia host the 'World Cup 2025' at the Bukit Kiara National Lawn Bowls Centre from Nov 4-8.
The 'WC2025' format is designed exclusively for the top 12 ranked nations.
Points will be accumulated from the total 7 events for men, women, para athletes in 2 disciplines - singles and pairs.
Soufi, 38, believes he has a "50-50" chance.
"This is the 1st World Cup and we are hosting it. It means a lot.
"All the top nations and great players will gather here."
The top drawcards in men's singles are World No. 1 Jason Banks of Scotland and Aussies Jack McShane (No.2) and Corey Wedlock (No.3).
"I'm excited and also feel the heat playing such a big event at home," said Soufi, who will also partner Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in the pairs event.
Soufi holds the distinction of having won gold medals in all four disciplines at the Asian Championships.
Singles (2017 India), pairs (2025 Philippines), triples (2014, 2024) and fours (2014, 2023, 2025).⬛
HOME FACTOR BOOST FOR IZZAT SHAMEER DZULKEPLE
HOME FACTOR BOOST FOR IZZAT SHAMEER DZULKEPLE
MALAYSIA LAWN BOWLS FEDERATION (MLBF)
FAMILY presence will be an added boost for former World No.1 – Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple.
“Every bit of support at home counts,” said the 33-year-old Izzat ahead of the ‘World Cup 2025’ in Kuala Lumpur next month.
“This is the 1st World event for me in Malaysia. It means a lot having my loved ones behind me in Bukit Kiara.”
“In my 10 years with the national team…this moment will be a special one,” he said.
Izzat will compete in the singles and pairs events together with Muhammad Soufi Rusli.
The duo picked up the bronze at the 2023 World Bowls championships in Gold Coast.
Izzat said home advantage will be an added boost for the national team.
“We have a taste playing in the new world class ‘portable rink’ in Bukit Kiara.
“The playing conditions are excellent and we hope to raise our game,” said the Ipoh lad.
Bukit Kiara serves the best platform for Izzat to make amends on his World title hopes.
In 2022, he missed the World title finishing runner-up to England’s Sam Tolchard in the Champion of Champions in New Zealand.
Last year, he picked up silver and bronze medals at the World Indoor Championships in Guernsey.
The silver in singles and the bronze with Nor Farah Ain in mixed pairs.⬛
Highlights from the 2025 Lion City Cup Lawn Bowls Championship
Highlights from the 2025 Lion City Cup Lawn Bowls Championship
BOWLS SINGAPORE (BSG)
The Lion City Cup 2025 concluded with an exciting week of high-level competition, bringing together 11 participating countries in a showcase of talent and sportsmanship. This year’s tournament featured two disciplines– Sets and Ends – offering a dynamic platform for players to compete and collaborate. A highlight of the event was the Ends discipline, designed as an open format where players. including the Under-21 teams, from various countries competed against each other, encouraging cross-cultural team spirit and skill development. After several days of intense and thrilling matches, Malaysia A emerged as the overall champions, demonstrating outstanding consistency and teamwork throughout the tournament.⬛
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