IBF Para Bowling World Championships Preview
By Matt Stevens
The IBF Para Bowling World Championships is set to begin, running from 17–24 January 2025, at Top Bowl, Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Hot on the heels of the 2025 IBF World Cup, this state-of-the-art venue will now welcome 19 federations over the next eight days for a world-class event showcasing the incredible talent of bowlers with a disability.
Participating Federations
The following federations will be represented in the competition:
- Tenpin Bowling Australia
- Bemuda Bowling Federation
- Chinese Bowling Association
- Czech Bowling Association
- Finnish Bowling Federation
- Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress
- India Tenpin Bowling Federation
- Japan Bowling Congress
- Korea Bowling Association
- Kuwait Bowling Federation
- Macao China Bowling Association
- Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress
- Poland Bowling Federation
- Spain Bowling Federation
- Singapore Bowling Federation
- Swedish Bowling Federation
- Chinese Taipei Bowling Association
- Thai Tenpin Bowling Association
- United States Bowling Congress
Classifications and Australia’s Representation
This year’s event will feature 10 separate classifications, with each federation competing in at least one category. Team Australia has registered for the TPB4E classification, designed for bowlers with an intellectual disability (ID).
- TPB4E: National Team (Virtus) squads, with all athletes verified by Virtus, the global governing body for elite sport for athletes with intellectual impairments.
- Men’s Division: 9 participating federations
- Women’s Division: 7 participating federations
TPB4E Registered Teams – Women’s Division:
- Australia
- Hong Kong, China
- Macao, China
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Korea
- Malaysia
TPB4E Registered Teams – Men’s Division:
- Australia
- Finland
- Hong Kong, China
- Macao, China
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Korea
- Malaysia
- Spain
Team Australia
Australia has sent the maximum official delegation of 4 male and 4 female athletes, six of whom bring valuable experience from the 2022 IBF Para Bowling World Cup on the Sunshine Coast. Notably, Amanda Threlfall and Kallan Strong claimed the top crowns in the ID Singles events at that competition.
Women’s Team:
- Amanda Threlfall
- Courtney Bucknell
- Dianne Demello
- Kate Juillerat
Men’s Team:
- Ashley Poelstra
- Kallan Strong
- Matthew Hurst
- Tyler Allen
This year’s delegation is supported by two debuting officials for Australia:
- Head Coach: Jason Walsh
- Team Manager: Kym Walsh
Q&A with Head Coach Jason Walsh
What made you put your hand up for this challenge, and what excites you most about leading the team at the World Championships?
“Over the last few years, I’ve been involved in the disability sector through my son Bronx, who competes in these events. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to provide regular coaching to some of these incredible bowlers. When I saw the chance to offer my skills and knowledge to this team on the world stage, I didn’t hesitate.”
“What excites me most is getting the athletes ready to compete on the World Stage—the ultimate challenge in Tenpin Bowling. Representing Australia on the world stage is an incredible honour, and I’m thrilled to lead this team.”
How has the team prepared for this event, and what are your expectations for their performance?
“The team has been training both on and off the lanes over the past few months. We’ve also been fortunate to have four days in Hong Kong before the competition begins, which we are using to fine-tune individual preparations and strengthen team bonds.”
“The athletes have set ambitious goals for themselves, driven by their taste of gold at the last World Cup on the Sunshine Coast. My expectation is that they will give their all and represent Australia with pride, regardless of the results.”
What is your approach to managing the unique challenges of a competition like this?
“Being the Head Coach for this team is a unique and rewarding role. It’s been essential to connect individually with each team member over many hours, as every athlete has their own strengths, both physically and mentally. These differences make them the incredible individuals they are.”“My approach has been to focus on understanding and supporting these strengths while fostering an environment where everyone feels confident and prepared to perform at their best.”
Event Format
The TPB4E events will feature a familiar format, resembling those at Asian Championships and Australian National events. Competitions include:
- Singles
- Doubles
- Teams of 4
- All Events
Each classification will have separate Men’s and Women’s Divisions.
Schedule Highlights
Following tonight’s Opening Ceremony, Team Australia will take to the lanes for their official practice session alongside other classifications. Their competition in the TPB4E division is set to begin on Monday, 20 January, and conclude on Wednesday, 22 January.
Additional schedule details pending final confirmation after the Team Managers’ Meeting which we will share via the hub.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates, scores, and news from Hong Kong, check out our Para Bowling World Championship Hub via the link below.
Best of Luck to Team Australia!
On behalf of Tenpin Bowling Australia, we wish all our athletes the very best of luck and high scores at this huge event. 💚💛
Let’s go, Team Australia! 🇦🇺🎳
LOCATION – Hong Kong, China
VENUE – Top Bowl, Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon, Hong Kong
TIME DIFFERENCE – 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
DATES – 17-24 January 2025
