By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 10: Around 1,000 athletes are expected to converge in the Sarawak capital for the Borneo Games Kuching 2025, which will be held at the Sarawak Sports Complex from Sept 24 to 28.
Acting chief executive officer of the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Khairul Nizam Morshidi, said the participants will represent five contingents of Sarawak, Sabah, the Federal Territory of Labuan, Brunei Darussalam, and Indonesia’s East Kalimantan Province.
“As of Sept 7, 2025, a total of 357 athletes has already registered in their respective sports,” he revealed during the Juh Randau talk show organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) at Sarawak Stadium, Petra Jaya, on Tuesday (Sept 9).
Khairul, who also serves as acting director of the Sarawak Sports Council (MSNS), said the Games will feature both core events such as athletics, swimming, and badminton, as well as traditional sports including blowpipe and tug-of-war, reflecting the unity and shared cultural heritage of Borneo.
On preparations, he said works at official venues are in their final phase of technical and logistical coordination, with most facilities already upgraded during last year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak.
“These include athletics at Sarawak Stadium, swimming at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, badminton at the Indoor Stadium, archery at the Archery Range, and lawn bowls at the Sarawak Arena Lawn Bowls.
“For traditional sports, blowpipe and tug-of-war will take place at Field D, Petra Jaya Sports Complex, while the VIP Golf Invitational will be hosted at the Sarawak Golf Club, Petra Jaya,” he explained.
The competition schedule, he added, is being managed through the Games Management System (GMS), enabling automatic scheduling, real-time monitoring, and flexible updates.
“This ensures no overlap of events and allows venues to be used optimally,” he said, noting that the blowpipe competition may be opened to public participation due to limited entries from the contingents.
Khairul also estimated that about 1,500 staff and volunteers will support the event’s operations.
“In terms of general volunteers, 150 individuals will assist mainly with management, such as medal ceremonies and venue operations. Additionally, around 1,500 technical volunteers will be deployed,” he said.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, a Borneo Carnival will also be held, organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED).
“What makes this carnival unique is that it brings together entrepreneurs not only from Sarawak but also from participating states and countries to showcase Bornean products and culture,” he said.
Khairul called on Sarawakians, especially Kuching residents, to fill the Sarawak Sports Complex and cheer on local athletes throughout the Games.
The closing ceremony, scheduled for the night of Sept 28, is expected to be officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. — DayakDaily
