SA's top bowls player Jason Evans brings home a bronze medal from the World Bowls Indoor Championship
JOHANNESBURG – Jason Evans flew South Africa's flag high at the 2025 World Bowls Indoor Championship in Scotland.
Evans won a bronze medal in the Men's Singles, with the gold medal and trophy going to Australia's Jack McShane.
'I'm very happy with my performance to be ranked 3rd in the world at the World Indoor Championships is very credible. Puts SA on the map with regards to Bowling ability,' said Evans to Eyewitness News.
All five corners of the globe were represented in the six-day event, which pits the European and Oceania powerhouses against those from the Americas, Asia and African regions.
The Championships saw 32 nations, 32 males and 27 women compete against each other.
'SA bowls is well respected globally, and we are a threat to any nation. Our recent form at major events backs that up.'
The sport is played indoors and outdoors on grass or artificial surfaces known as a 'green', which is divided into parallel playing strips known as 'rinks'.
The aim is to roll bowls (slightly radially asymmetrical balls) closest to a smaller white/yellow ball (the 'jack' or 'kitty').
The current Proteas No. 1 tells Eyewitness News South Africa only has outdoor facilities, so predominantly he plays on the lawn: 'However, indoor does provide an amazing surface to play on.'
Evans was born in Wales, moved to South Africa with his family at age 11. He started playing bowls when he was 15, following in his father's footsteps.
'My Father was a bowler, so I got interested through him. I have played for SA for 15 years and have over 300 caps, so I have been around for a long time, and have travelled the World. I think media and televised events would help sponsorship and raise the profile of bowls. Social media platforms, using the youth in our sport to promote the game.'
The Team Aero athlete has won the Atlantic Championship in Wales, three bronze medals in the World Indoor Championships and has won the SA Masters Champions 6 times, played in three Commonwealth Games. He has 7 African States gold medals, just to name a few of his achievements.
' When I practice, I practice with a purpose, fine-tweaking here and there. If the game is looking good, I don't practice for hours. I prefer to get my mind in a good place. If the mind is good, I have the belief in my game.'
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