By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 28: The next Borneo Games will be hosted by East Kalimantan in Samarinda in 2027, following a unanimous decision made during the recent meeting of participating regions.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, announced this during the closing ceremony of the Borneo Games 2025 held at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak here this evening.
He explained that the decision came after discussions were held yesterday (Sept 27), during which East Kalimantan Governor Dr H. Rudi Mas’ud expressed strong interest in taking up the role as organiser.
“Alhamdulillah, when it was presented during the meeting, East Kalimantan immediately confirmed their readiness.
“The Governor himself was with us yesterday and conveyed his wish. That made it easier for the Secretariat to decide,” he said.
With the confirmation, Abdul Karim said all participating territories can now prepare for the next edition in two years’ time.
He pointed out that the Borneo Games has its own uniqueness compared to other competitions such as the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
“For Sukma, athletes are restricted to under-21 years of age. But for the Borneo Games, there is no age limit.
“This allows not only young athletes but also those above 21 who have competed in Sukma or other games to continue their sporting journey and even aim for the SEA Games, regional tournaments and the Olympics,” he added.
Expressing his hopes for the continuity and growth of the Borneo Games, Abdul Karim said the 2027 edition could see greater participation as East Kalimantan may also invite other provinces from Kalimantan.
“There are five provinces in Kalimantan, and if they are all included, the competition will become even more exciting,” he said.
Sarawak emerged as the overall champion of the Borneo Games 2025 with a commanding lead, amassing 62 gold, 61 silver and 45 bronze medals. The host State’s dominance was evident as it secured nearly three times more gold medals than its closest contender, showcasing the strength and depth of its athletes.
Sabah came in second with 26 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze, followed by East Kalimantan in third with 12 gold, 11 silver and 8 bronze.
Labuan placed fourth with 5 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze, while Brunei rounded off the table with 4 gold, 7 silver and 18 bronze.
The 2025 Borneo Games, which concluded today, marked Sarawak’s turn as host after a 12-year hiatus.
The Borneo Games was first introduced in 1954 as an annual multi-sport event involving provinces, states and nations across Borneo Island. It served as a platform to strengthen camaraderie and foster sports development among neighbouring regions.
However, the Games lost momentum in the 1970s and was discontinued for several decades before being revived in 2005. It was subsequently held in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013, but once again fell into hiatus after that.
Earlier, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the closing ceremony.
Also present were Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Awang Mohamad; Sabah Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin; Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sport Development) Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu; Labuan Contingent chief Dato Parang Abai@Thomas; and East Kalimantan Contingent chief H Husinsyah MT. — DayakDaily
