We all have dreams. We all want to be something, earn a name and make our parents proud. But how many of us have the patience and courage to actually pursue those dreams?
This 21-year-old Singaporean bowler is one such example when it comes to passion, dedication and pursuit.
Jonovan Neo recently caused a buzz in the Singaporean Sports arena after winning his first ever international bowling tournament at the Dubai International Bowling Centre (DIBC) Open in the United Arab Emirates.
“My expectations were to just make it into the top 4 which is the stepladders final. Winning the Dubai Open was a dream come true.”
Pursuing A Dream
Today, we all know him as the 21-year-old National Bowler from Singapore who won the Dubai Open Tournament.
However, these things do not happen overnight. To be playing at an international match and winning it for his country was a dream that Jonovan had been pursuing since he was a kid.
Jonovan tells me it was love at first sight when it came to bowling.
It all began when he found some old professional bowling tapes at his Aunt’s house. At the age of 10 – when all his school friends were glued to cartoon shows and kids’ TV programs, Jonovan was hooked to bowling games.
He would watch the tapes on a loop. His father then realized his interest in the game and took him to a bowling centre.
“For my 11th Birthday, my parents decided to get me a bowling ball and then I met my coach, Jerome. I realized that bowling could be more than a hobby for me!”
Making It To The Nationals
Jonovan knew what he wanted at a very early age and he did not lose focus over the years. He played and practised often to improve his stance.
Eventually, he joined a National Youth Developmental Program called Center of Excellence (COE). After four years of rigorous training in the COE program, he went for a National Selection Roll Off and made it to the team at a young age of 15.
Providing Opportunities
Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF), formerly known as Singapore Tenpin Bowling Congress, was established in 1963. This organization strives to promote Singapore as a competitive bowling nation.
It provides young talents like Jonavon and others with a platform to enhance and showcase their skills. In fact, he believes that SBF has been a land of opportunities for him.
“Without them, I honestly wouldn’t have reached where I am today.”
“To be able to travel to different countries and do the sport that you love – SBF has helped me grow not only as a bowler but as a person.”
What many may not be aware of is that the DIBC Open in the United Emirates was not Jonavan’s first international appearance. He was selected to represent Singapore at an international level in 2013 and also in the 2016 Asian Bowling Championships.
However, the DIBC Open was his debut appearance in an international stepladder – he admits that he was rather nervous.
“As this was my first international stepladders appearance, it was definitely nerve-wrecking”, he says.
A Turning Point
The stepladder match was a tough one to handle for Jonovan. He did not win the first round in the finals, having lost 234-258 pinfalls to compatriot Muhd Jaris Goh, a 22-year-old Singaporean bowler.
“Jaris Goh won in cruise control in the first game. I had an early open frame and my mind was flustered,” he explains. However, Jonovan managed to pull himself together.
Not letting failure get to him, he chose to focus on the second game instead.
“The second match was about getting more strikes but the pair was tricky. I had a lucky break in the 8th frame and that made me feel that it was all up to me to win this.”
Alas, he won the second round by 248-201.
Eventually, he was crowned champion and returned back home victorious.
What Next?
“The win at the Dubai Open is the highlight of my career right now. My first international win – it finally feels like some stress has been relieved,” says a happy Jonavan. However, he is not one to stop.
He already has his eyes set on the next title – the Asian Games Championship.
“The next step is to win the next title. When you get the first one, you definitely aim for the second one. I plan to represent Singapore in the Asian Games this year and my expectations are definitely set high – to be the best that I can be,” he says.
As I conclude the interview, I’m amazed at how modest and humble he is. Given that he’s winning international titles at such a young age, I wonder what it is that keeps him rooted. I reached out to Singapore Assistant Coach, Helmi Chew for some answers.
Coach Helmi says that he tries to keep the players focused on the process. Of course, winning or losing matters – but only up to a certain extent.
He adds that it is important to guide players psychologically as well, so as to keep them in the right frame. In fact, Coach Helmi is hopeful about the bowling scene in Singapore.
“Bowling is incorporated across primary schools to colleges. Recent success stories have helped establish it as a popular sport. In the next 5 years, bowling will be the same, if not more.”
Jonovan signs off our interview with a Michael Jordan quote:
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, and others make it happen.”
