Bowling is one of the major forms of throwing sports. Like walking with free weights, it is an anaerobic type of physical exercise and helps in burning calories by working muscle groups that are not usually exercised. While most sports are not suitable for elderly people, it is possible to practice bowling very well at advanced ages. In addition to the physical benefits, it also has psychosocial benefits, strengthening friendships or creating new ones in groups or teams.
In Myanmar, more people are now keen on bowling and expanding their leisure time at bowling centres. In Yangon, there are two bowling centers to fulfill their needs. One is Right Track Bowling Center which is located on Lay Daunt Kan Road, U Ba Kyaw Street near Tamwe Bridge, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Right Track’s existence is advertised over an oversized bowling pin on a two-meter pedestal on an otherwise non-descript section of Lay Daunt Kan Road. Right Track Bowling Center is offering and attracting Yangon residents and foreigners with many ways. The Center was constructed in 1999 and opened in 2001. This bowling alley is owned by a South Korean investor who partnered with Ministry of Sport with the purpose to provide a place for civil servants and others who are interested in bowling. U Myo Aung, Managing Director of the Center does not seem to care much about profits and do not do any marketing because bowling is still not a very popular sports in Myanmar. Somedays, this bowling alley is still empty for the whole day. Although he has never played bowling at the time of opening this bowling alley, he has learnt ins and outs of a bowling alley operation now. He spent two years in Seoul, ultimately mastering the role of technician, mechanical and electrician so that he could run this bowling alley smoothly by himself and serve as coach of Myanmar’s bowling teams, the Special Olympics men’s and women’s teams. He and the Myanmar women’s team won silver medals at the Special Olympics in Australia in 2013, and two of his players won bronze medals at the SEA Games in that same year. They all practice at Right Track Lanes on Saturday mornings. There are four trainers to train and provide coaching to people who do not know how to play, without any charges.
The fees is only 2,000 kyats per bowling game round. The Centre area is about 200 sq. feet and there are 10 lanes in bowling alley and 6 persons can play at each lane. So, this bowling alley can accommodate up to 60 persons at the same time. The alley also serves Myanmar Beer and other beverages within the facility and plays top-40 pop songs for those looking for a more social experience. People can have conversations, drink beer and relax. It is also a harmless environment designed to serve as a venue for people who know what they are looking for. Right Track Lane is opened every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
In addition to the Right Track, there is another bowling centre in town. Asia Point Bowling Center that is located on Yamonnar Road, Shu Kin Thar Park, in Dawbon Township, Yangon. This Center offers multiple sports games including table tennis, snooker and bowling. U Kyaw Kyaw is the owner of this bowling center, operating under lease from the Ministry of Sport. Asia Point charges 1,500 kyats per one round of bowling during Monday to Friday, 1,800 kyats for Saturdays and Sundays. The charge of hiring bowling shoes is 500 kyats. It is opened every day from 12:00pm to 11:00pm. There have many trainers to teach you how to play bowling, free of charge. This bowling center also provides food and beverages through the Sea View Restaurant located within the compound. The bowlers can enjoy many kinds of dishes, seafood, fried noodles, various drinks, beers, etc. With much traffic these days in Yangon, it would be wise to choose a centre near you. What a better way to spend your weekends with your family or gang, enjoying an affordable game or two of bowling and staying fit at the same time.
