Borneo Games set for return in September with Sarawak as host

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUCHING: The revived Borneo Games is set to return from Sept 24 to 28 this year, with Sarawak playing host.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the games were last held in 2013 in Labuan.
He said Brunei, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak will participate in the games.
"The games feature over 1,000 athletes and officials in mainstream sports such as athletics, swimming, lawn bowls, archery and badminton, alongside traditional events like menyumpit (blowpipe) and tug-of-war," he said.
Karim said this when winding up his ministry's speech at the Sarawak legislative assembly here.
He said the games will celebrate Borneo's diverse heritage while fostering deeper connections among its people.
He said the first games was hosted by the Seria Recreation Club, Brunei, in 1954.
Karim said the games were revived at the suggestion of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, whose vision was to unite the Bornean people through shared values.
He said Abang Johari wanted to foster peace and prosperity, enhance cross-border relationships and empower youth to lead with cultural pride and confidence.
Karim said his ministry, together with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), will ensure the games serve as a vibrant platform for both athletic excellence and cultural celebration.
He said Sarawak has initiated the formation of the Borneo Games Supreme Council which will comprise sports ministers and relevant agencies from participating nations, states and provinces, togovern future editions.
He said his ministry has extended official invitations to the participating regions and provinces, sports associations and implementation bodies, to attend a meeting to form the council.
Karim also said the federal government has formally agreed for Sarawak to host the opening ceremony of the Sea Games 2027 in Kuching.
He said that this was the first time in Sea Games history that Sarawak will serve as a direct host region, an honour that offers an opportunity to showcase Sarawak's cultural vibrancy, hospitality and logistical capabilities to a global audience.
He said his ministry is planning a strategic benchmarking visit to Thailand, the host of the Sea Games in 2025, to observe and study the live operations of a major sporting event.
"The knowledge gained will help us refine our strategies for 2027," he said.