By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 2: Sarawak is set to host the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Friendship Games in 2029, with the international sporting event expected to bring participants from 57 countries.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts as well as Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed this during his speech at the IIUM Alumni Ummatic Gathering in Sarawak today, while highlighting the State’s growing role in hosting major sporting events.
“This has not been announced but I don’t mind to share with you that we’ll be hosting the OIC Friendship Games in 2029, which will bring in 57 countries into Sarawak,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Cabinet had already been informed of the matter, but the announcement would be made at the appropriate time.
“The Cabinet has been informed, but we will take it one at a time,” he said.
When met by reporters later, Abdul Karim said the matter was still at the negotiation stage and that an official announcement would only be made after formal confirmation was received.
“We are still in the negotiation stage. Insya-Allah, we should be getting it. But let that be announced at a later stage.
“Once I have received the formal letter, the formal appointment, then we will come up with a press release,” he added.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s hosting of international sporting events was supported by ongoing upgrades to sports facilities in preparation for major competitions.
He noted that Sarawak would also serve as a co-host for next year’s SEA Games, which had prompted further upgrading works at sports complexes across the state.
“Sports is doing very well. We are the co-host for the SEA Games next year. That is why you can see all our sports facilities at our sports complex are undergoing quite a lot of upgrading,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
