The Stepladder Bowling Tournament at Tribeca Mall marked a thrilling start to the 2024 bowling season, hosted by the Mauritius Bowling Federation. The event saw the ITLians Bowling Club, a formidable team from Intercontinental Trust Limited (ITL), emerge as the standout champions. The ITLians Bowling Club rolled into the spotlight once again recently at the Tribecca Knockout Tournament with their exceptional performance. Let’s meet the team….
With a blend of seasoned talent and passionate newcomers, the ITLians showcased their prowess on the lanes. The team, led by the dynamic Kong Lau, Senior Manager and captain since 2017, delivered a performance that dazzled the crowd and secured their place at the top. Alongside Kong, the roster featured dedicated members such as James Lai and Ashive Kanoosingh who both are members since 2017; Francesse Teycheney, team member since 2020; Ishika Bokhory, who joined in 2022; and Mayur Ramdhul, a team member since 2019. This victory highlights their collective skill and team spirit, setting an impressive tone for the year ahead in the world of bowling.
Representing ITL with pride
Kong shared his enthusiasm in representing the team. “It is with great pride that we represent the ITLian Bowling Club at events organised by the Federation,” he said. “The team also regularly participates at various key bowling competitions organised in Mauritius.”
Ishika expressed her joy in competing and winning trophies. “It is a great pride and joy to win trophies in front of competitors from other organisations,” she noted.
Ashive highlighted ITL’s role in fostering team spirit and engagement. “ITL’s sponsorship of our bowling team is a testament to their commitment to employee engagement and talent recognition. Through their support, we’ve been able to compete in various bowling tournaments, showcasing not just our skills on the lanes, but also our team spirit and dedication.” The company further demonstrated its support by providing the team with essential equipment such as t-shirts and water bottles, ensuring they were well-prepared for competitions. The team also enjoyed the continued support of Francoise Chan, one of the directors, who played a key role in encouraging and motivating the players.
Above (L-R) Hemnish, Kong and Ashive
The path to passion
The journey to joining the ITLian Bowling Club varied among the team members. Francesse said, “My journey with ITL’s bowling team began in 2020 when Kong invited me to join. Although bowling was not my primary sport, I brought a unique perspective to the team as a pétanque player.”
Ishika’s passion began with a fun day at Strike City, Bagatelle. “One day, the management organised a fun day at Strike City, Bagatelle, where I ended up being one of the top scorers. That’s when Kong approached me and invited me to join the team, and I gladly accepted.”
James Lai talks about team spirit and links his bowling journey with his personal growth. “Being part of the ITLians Bowling Club has been a transformative experience for me. The joy of competition is great, but what really stands out is how we’ve become a close-knit family. We celebrate each other’s successes and support one another through challenges. This club has not only improved my bowling skills but has also taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance that I apply in my professional life at ITL. It’s more than just a hobby – it’s a passion that brings out the best in all of us.”
Overcoming challenges and setting goals
Ashive shared the challenge of balancing bowling with other life commitments. “The most significant challenge we face is balancing our bowling commitments with our professional and personal lives. Time management is crucial, as we juggle with family responsibilities, household duties, and personal commitments.”
Ishika reflected on her personal achievements. “One day, during a 5-week tournament, I managed to score 177 points, which was quite a high mark at the time. I embraced the challenge, put in the effort, and with a lot of practice and perseverance, I achieved a score of 199 points.”
Kong’s future goals for the team include focusing on fitness and consistent practice. “Fitness courses are also important to improve the strength and flexibility crucial for bowling as well as regular training sessions.”
(Above L-R): Iqbal, James, Francesse, Kong, and Mayur
Memorable moments and club culture
The ITLians have cherished several memorable moments in their bowling careers. Francesse recalled, “One of the most memorable moments in my bowling career was definitely winning the ‘Best Female Bowler’ in 2020 and also when I came 3rd at the Inter-Company tournament in the same year. I was very delighted and proud of our team. Despite the intense competition, we stayed focused.”
Ishika also shared a highlight from her career. “One of the most memorable moments in my bowling career was winning the ABC Banking Cup. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment, and to top it off, we were awarded a voucher for a day package at a hotel.”
Kong discussed the formation and mission of the ITLians Bowling Club, recalling the early days in 2017 when the first members of the team, including Bernard, Iqbal, Yogesh, Edouard and Sulleiman, came together. “The ITLians Bowling Club was formed when we received an invitation to represent our company at a bowling competition. Initially, the company organised regular bowling nights for fun, and as we noticed that some of our colleagues were quite skilled, we decided to create our own team. I, having some experience in bowling, gave lessons and tips to our players before each competition. We assembled a team by reaching out for participants within the company, trained, and went on to win our first competition.”
Shining at the Tribecca Knockout Bowling Tournament
Mayur and Kong represented the team last week at the Knockout Bowling Tournament. The event, featuring a thrilling three-game qualification round followed by intense knockout matches, attracted talented players from various clubs across the region. Mayur was among the standout performers, delivering a remarkable performance with a stunning 211 points in his third game, securing the prize for the highest single game score!
As the qualification round concluded, Mayur emerged as the top scorer, with 567 points over three games which makes an average of 189 per game. Mayur’s second-place finish in the overall tournament standings is a testament to his exceptional bowling prowess, resilience and competitive spirit.
(Above L-R): Mayur and Kong
Club spirit and advice
Being part of the ITLians Bowling Club means more than just playing a sport; it’s about camaraderie and support. Kong explained, “Being a member of the team is a true privilege and fills us with great pride. For us, it’s more than just a team; it’s a family where we share our passion for bowling and support each other.”
Ashive highlighted the supportive environment within the club. “Being part of the ITLians Bowling Club is, above all, a way for us to honour our company. ITL has a strong reputation, and we take pride in representing the company during competitions.”
Francesse invited more women to join. “I wish there were more women on the team because their presence brings so much to the group dynamic. The ITLians Bowling Club has always been supportive of female bowlers, offering a welcoming and encouraging environment.”
For those interested in joining, Kong’s advice is simple: “Give it a try! Come and have some fun—you might just discover a hidden talent you never knew you had.”
The joy of bowling
What keeps the ITLians passionate about bowling? Ishika summed it up best. “What I enjoy most about being part of the ITLians Bowling Club is the opportunity it provides for a relaxing break from the daily grind. Bowling offers a chance to unwind, have fun, and connect with others in a supportive and friendly environment.”
The ITLians’ success at the Stepladder Bowling Tournament is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the strong support of their club. Their journey continues to inspire, and their enthusiasm for the sport remains as vibrant as ever. As the bowling season progresses, fans and fellow competitors alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this rising team!
