By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 14: The long-dormant Borneo Games is set to make a long-awaited comeback this year, with Sarawak confirmed as the host of the revived regional sporting event from September 24 to 28, 2025.
Speaking to reporters at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said a recent meeting with regional counterparts—including representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Sabah, Labuan, as well as West and East Kalimantan—resulted in a tentative agreement to bring back the Games this year.
“The Borneo Games was first held in 1955 and last took place in 2013.
“We believe reviving it will strengthen ties among countries, states and provinces across Borneo, while also encouraging youth involvement in sports,” Abdul Karim said after a courtesy call by Brunei’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Seri Setia Nazmi Muhammad, on the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Sports Corporation has been appointed as the secretariat for the 2025 Borneo Games, with Abdul Karim serving as patron and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports), Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, as chairman.
The 2025 edition will feature five core sporting events—athletics, swimming, lawn bowls, archery, and badminton.
An invitational VIP golf tournament is also being considered, alongside proposals to include two traditional sports: ‘menyumpit’ (blowpipe) and ‘tarik tali’ (tug-of-war).
Further discussions will be held to finalise logistics, technical arrangements and participation details, especially with North, Central, and South Kalimantan also expressing interest to join the Games.
“This will be the beginning of a new chapter. God willing, it won’t stop here.
“We plan for the Games to continue biennially, rotating between Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, and Kalimantan provinces,” Abdul Karim said.
Meanwhile, Nazmi reaffirmed Brunei’s full support for the Sarawak-led initiative, highlighting the Games’ potential to foster unity and promote youth development through sports.
“We believe that investment through sports will bring great returns for the younger generation. This is more than just competition—it’s about connecting people across borders.
“This is a starting point for us to move forward in sports, and ultimately, to use sports as a platform for diplomacy and stronger regional cooperation across Borneo,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
