By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 28: Tenpin bowling, diving, and swimming are among the 18 sports that Sarawak will host during the 2027 SEA Games.
Sarawak’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed that tenpin bowling will be included, given the presence of Megalanes Sarawak in Batu Kawa, which is regarded as one of Malaysia’s top bowling alleys.
“Sarawak will likely host cricket too because we have a very good cricket ground here.
“We may also consider shooting sports, but we might have to upgrade our shooting range as we currently do not have facilities for skeet and trap shooting,” he said in response to a reporter’s question during a press conference at the Baitulmakmur II building today.
Other sports expected to be hosted in Sarawak include diving, swimming, taekwondo, archery, lawn bowls, tennis, wushu, and squash.
Additionally, Abdul Karim revealed that discussions are ongoing about hosting gymnastics in Kuching instead of Kuala Lumpur.
“We understand that the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation prefers it to be held in Kuching.
“Initially, it was not on our list, and we left it to Kuala Lumpur. However, after our successful track record in hosting the Malaysian Games (Sukma), they requested for it to be held here.
“We will look into these matters, fine-tune the arrangements, and update the media accordingly,” he added.
Apart from the 18 sports in Sarawak, Abdul Karim revealed that another 18 sports are expected to be held in West Malaysia, primarily in Kuala Lumpur.
However, discussions are underway to distribute some of these events to other states, with Johor likely to host football and Penang expected to take on four additional sports.
On the topic of Sukma 2026, Abdul Karim addressed Selangor’s proposal to introduce pickleball as a new sport.
He explained that for a sport to be included in Sukma, at least six states must participate.
“Selangor can propose it to the national committee, but they will need support from a minimum of six states for it to be approved.
“As far as Sarawak is concerned, we would welcome the proposal because pickleball is a popular sport in the state.
“I believe that if pickleball is included, Sarawak has a strong chance of reaching the podium,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
