KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) has announced the retirement of Zuraidi Puteh as national head coach, bringing an end to a distinguished 17-year journey with the national setup.
Zuraidi began his service in 2008 as a national development coach before being promoted to national head coach in 2013.
Over nearly two decades, he played a pivotal role in steering Malaysia’s lawn bowls squad to numerous successes at both regional and international levels, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Speaking to Scoop, MLBF president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz described Zuraidi’s decision as a difficult one, made after careful consideration, with family emerging as the main priority.
“Nothing is more valuable than time with family, especially after years of sacrifice and commitment in serving the nation and elevating Malaysia’s name on the international stage,” Awalan said.
He also paid tribute to Zuraidi’s immense contribution to the sport, highlighting his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment throughout his tenure.
“Coach Zuraidi has been instrumental in shaping and producing world champions and internationally recognised athletes. His influence and legacy in Malaysian lawn bowls will remain long after his retirement,” he added.
Awalan also conveyed the federation’s best wishes to Zuraidi as he embarks on the next chapter of his life, expressing confidence that he will continue to excel in whatever path he chooses.
Zuraidi’s retirement marks the close of a golden era for Malaysian lawn bowls, with MLBF now set to chart a new course while building on the strong foundation he leaves behind.
Under his leadership, the national squad achieved historic success, most notably when Nur Ain Nabilah Tarmizi and Aleena Ahmad Nawawi won Malaysia’s first-ever women’s pairs gold at the World Bowls Championships — a breakthrough accomplishment since the women’s event began in 1969.
Zuraidi also guided athletes such as Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple and Nor Farah Ain Abdullah to rise in world rankings, with Izzat achieving top-tier positions and Farah Ain winning prestigious international titles, including at the Indoor World Championship.
His commitment to the sport extended beyond coaching results; Zuraidi chose to remain with Malaysian lawn bowls despite offers from foreign teams in Australia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Brunei, emphasising his loyalty to the nation and his players.
At the national level, Zuraidi’s contributions were formally recognised when he was named National Men’s Coach at the 2023 National Sports Awards, one of Malaysia’s highest honours for sports coaching excellence.
His tenure helped maintain Malaysia’s competitive global rankings with the men’s team among the world’s top four and the women’s team in the top five and saw the country reclaim its place on the world stage, including success at major events like the World Cup and Asian Championships. — January 19, 2026