Throughout the Olympics, Page 2 writers (on ESPN.com) will argue the merits of including various sports in the Games. To qualify as an Olympic sport, an activity must be "widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on four continents, and by women in at least 40 countries and on three continents," according to Olympics officials. In other words, participation matters. So you'd think the sport with the second-highest rate of participation in the world would be a shoo-in for Olympic medal recognition, right? Nope. Bowling, which is practiced by over 100 million people in over 100 countries, has never gained official Olympic sanction. That needs to change…
The Men's World Championships 2008 are officially under way after one of the most colorful opening ceremonies in the history of the sport of tenpin bowling held at the host bowling center, SF Strike Bowl Ngamwongwan in Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday evening. Thailand, the "Land of the Smiles" is not only known for its beautiful numerous sightseeing places and exotic locations but also for its highly refined classical music and dance and for a wide range of folk arts and what a display it was. The program mixed Thailand's ancient history and culture with elements showcasing the modern face of the country.
336 of the best amateur bowlers from 57 countries plus some of the most decorated professional bowlers in the world are getting ready for the action at the 2008 Men's World Championship. The official practice started on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. local time with Squad 1. Squads 2 and 3 will follow at noon and 3 p.m. The championships will be officially declared open by Mr. Weerasak Kohsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sport, during the Opening Ceremonies scheduled for 7-9 p.m. this evening. The TTBA announced that all semifinals and the finals will be broadcasted live on Thai TV. 
A six-member Indian team to take part in the World Men’s Tenpin Bowling Championships to be held in Bangkok from August 21 to 31 was announced here on Monday, at an Executive Committee Meeting of the Tenpin Bowling Federation (India). Among the six selected are Tamil Nadu’s Rahul Solanki and P. Rajmohan. The World Championships, the first event in a packed calendar for the Indian bowlers, will be followed by the National Tenpin Bowling Team Championships, the AMF World Cup, the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships and the Asian Inter-City Championships. 
The Thai Tenpin Bowling Association (TTBA) will host the second Men's World Championship from August 21-31, 2008 at SF Strike Bowl Ngamwongwan. The 42-laner with AMF equipment is located on the 7th Floor of a shopping center in Nonthaburi, approx. 30 minutes away from down town Bangkok. As of today, 329 players from 57 countries will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in six disciplines: Singles, Doubles, Trios, 5-player Team, All Events and Masters. Bowlingdigital will cover the event live from from Nonthaburi.