Bowling can be played even during the pandemic—Paeng

Simply by looking at how it is played, bowling should qualify as one of the first sports allowed to resume. There is virtually no physical contact. And players can have their own set of balls.

It also helps that no less than Bowling Hall of Famer Paeng Nepomuceno is endorsing it.

“If bowling would be allowed to reopen, we need to make sure that everyone will be safe and healthy,” Nepomuceno, the only four-time World Cup champion, told the Inquirer.

Now an adviser for the national team, Nepomuceno said that with a set of guidelines and government approval, bowling may be played even during these pandemic times.

“The bowling center surroundings and its equipment like the bowling balls and shoes should be sanitized well,” he said.

The 63-year-old Nepomuceno expressed his observations on the heels of the Philippine Sports Commission’s recommendation with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases on the possible resumption of sports activities.

And though bowlers usually high-five one another after every shot, Nepomuceno said such gestures may have to be avoided for the time being.

“Social distancing while playing should be observed. This is easier to accomplish because bowling is a noncontact sport,” he said.

In the two months that the country has been under quarantine, Nepomuceno said the national team continues to stay fit.