By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 6: Sarawak is ready to host boxing events at the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and is laying the groundwork to build the first velodrome in Borneo, in a strategic move to cement its position as a regional sports powerhouse.
According to Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s growing prominence in boxing — particularly through its strong performances at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) — makes it a prime candidate to host the sport during the biennial regional event.
“If possible, we want boxing to be held in Sarawak because the people’s interest and the performance of our athletes are very encouraging. The support of local fans also provides a psychological edge for our athletes,” he told reporters during a doorstop interview at a Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri hosted by his two ministries — MYSED and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) — at a hotel here today.
Abdul Karim, who is also MTCP minister, noted that potential venues being considered for the boxing competitions include the Perpaduan Stadium in Petra Jaya and the Indoor Stadium in Sri Aman, subject to approval from the national boxing governing body.
Meanwhile, regarding the proposed velodrome, the minister said plans are underway to develop a 3,000- to 4,000-seat multi-purpose facility in Kuching — the first of its kind in Borneo.
“We want this facility not only for cycling competitions, but also to host meetings, community programmes and other sports events. It will be a multi-functional centre,” he said.
On Feb 27, it was reported that Sarawak will host the highest number of sports events for the 2027 SEA Games, with at least 18 events set to take place in Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian. — DayakDaily
