Nor Farah Ain becomes world’s No. 1 lawn bowler

Malaysia’s Nor Farah Ain Abdullah has made history by becoming the world’s No. 1 lawn bowler, marking a significant milestone for the country in the international sporting arena.

According to the latest world rankings released by the World Bowls Series today, Farah Ain leads the women’s category with a total of 723 points, surpassing Scotland’s Julie Forrest (683 points) and Australia’s Kelsey Cottrell (676 points). Her achievement cements Malaysia’s growing reputation in lawn bowls and underscores her remarkable consistency on the world stage.

Golden Glory at the 2024 World Indoor Championships

Farah Ain’s rise to the top can be largely attributed to her gold medal triumph at the 2024 World Indoor Bowling Championships held in Guernsey, Channel Islands, last April. Competing in her first-ever world indoor championship, she displayed outstanding skill and composure, defeating Malta’s Connie Rixon 6-2, 6-3 in the women’s singles final.

The 24-year-old also secured a bronze medal in the mixed pairs event alongside national teammate Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple, further establishing her presence among the sport’s elite players. Her exceptional performances across multiple tournaments in the past year played a crucial role in her rise to the top of the world rankings.

Minister Hannah Yeoh Hails Farah Ain’s Success

Farah Ain’s accomplishment has not gone unnoticed by Malaysia’s sporting community and government officials. Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh, who had met the athlete in May last year, lauded her determination and success on social media.

“I had the pleasure of meeting the country’s lawn bowler, Nor Farah Ain Abdullah, who emerged as the new world champion in her debut at the 2024 World Indoor Bowling Championships held in Guernsey recently. I am truly excited by her determination and dedication. Keep up the fight and continue to bring glory to Malaysia on the world stage,” Yeoh wrote in a Facebook post.

The minister’s recognition highlights the growing support for lawn bowls in Malaysia, a sport that has steadily gained traction over the years, thanks to the achievements of athletes like Farah Ain.

A Trailblazer for Malaysian Lawn Bowls

Farah Ain’s historic achievement as the world’s No. 1 lawn bowler is a testament to her dedication and perseverance in a sport that often flies under the radar compared to mainstream disciplines. Her success is expected to inspire a new generation of Malaysian bowlers and encourage greater investment in the sport at the grassroots level.

With her sights set on upcoming international tournaments, Farah Ain will now look to maintain her top ranking and continue representing Malaysia at the highest level. If her recent performances are anything to go by, she is well on her way to becoming one of the greatest lawn bowlers the country has ever produced.