Saudi Arabia's Razan Baker has been appointed as chair of the IBF Women in Sport Committee ©SAOPC

Controversial International Bowling Federation (IBF) President Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah has appointed Saudi Arabia’s Razan Baker as chair of the world governing’s body Women in Sport Committee.

It was one of the first decisions since Sheikh Talal announced last month he was resuming as head of the IBF fewer than six months after being forced to step down following allegations of serious financial irregularities.

Baker is currently a member of the Saudi Bowling Federation (SBF) and director of international communications at the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Baker has pioneered a scheme in Saudi Arabia to help develop female bowlers to a standard that they can compete at international level.

In 2019, the SBF sent a women’s team to compete at the World Bowling Women’s Championships in Las Vegas for the first, with Baker serving as the team manager.

Razan Baker has spearheaded a campaign in Saudi Arabia to get more women involving in bowling ©Saudi Bowling Federation
Razan Baker has spearheaded a campaign in Saudi Arabia to get more women involving in bowling ©Saudi Bowling Federation

Over the past two years, the SBF claim it has more than quadrupled its athlete membership, with women making up a significant percentage of the new recruits.

"Baker has been a big part of this success and therefore her appointment to lead the IBF’s Women in Sport Committee was not a difficult decision," Sheikh Talal said.

"I and the IBF Executive Board look forward to working with her in the future to champion our female athletes to the next level."

Baker plans to lead establishing strategies that advocate for the increased participation of female athletes in bowling and in leadership positions within the IBF and its Member Federations.