For an Indian mother and daughter who have had to battle family opposition to pursue their sporting dream, just being at the Asian Games is an achievement.

While the family way has been the route to success for Saudi Arabian and Malaysian ten-pin bowlers this week, for Chennai dress-designer Sabeena Saleem and her daughter Sana it is the taking part that matters.

"We come from a very orthodox Muslim family and no one really likes our playing this sport," Sana told Reuters on Monday.

The 20-year-old fine arts student is delighted that her mother is in Doha with her and not just because it enables her to learn from the best woman player in the India squad.

"My mom can help me out a lot, but sometimes I get very stubborn," grinned Sana.

"If I were the only one playing, it would have been tough for my parents to send their only daughter to compete."

The pair had to pay their own airfare to Qatar after the Indian government refused to foot the bill due to their bleak medal chances.

"Me and my mom are here only because of my dad," Sana added.

Sana's father Anwar Saleem, a real estate agent, has also backed their late night training schedules, which allows them to practise when the alley is free of casual players.

Sabeena is equally pleased to have her daughter by her side.

"It feels great," said the 36-year-old, who competes with her head covered in Muslim tradition. "Maybe one day we will be paired together for the country."

RICH DIVIDENDS

The family act has paid rich dividends for some bowlers in Doha.

Saudi brothers Bader and Hassan Abdullah Al Alshaikh combined to win their country's first bowling gold in the men's doubles on Monday.

Malaysian Esther Cheah's triumph in the woman's singles matched the achievement of her father and coach Holloway, a champion at the 1978 Bangkok Games.

Bowling attracts people from various walks of life, but

money and plenty of time to train are key requirements.

Indian manager Ramachandran Kannan is a garment exporter while the team includes a doctor and software engineer. Young woman player Sheela Chowhan quit her job to play full time.

Malaysian assistant coach Foong Tak Meng hoped the keenness of the players would one day win bowling an entry into the Olympics.

"We all look forward to the Asian Games," he said. "This is our Olympics.

"It is very open sport, anybody can win on their day provided they have the right approach and technique," he said. "That is the intrigue in bowling."