KUCHING: Sarawak’s top track and field athletes are set to chase glory at the Borneo Games 2025, with veterans making long-awaited returns and rising stars eyeing personal bests.
National sprinter Jonathan Nyepa, back at the Games after more than a decade, said he hopes to defend his 100m mark of 10.28 seconds while gunning for gold on home ground.
“This is my third time competing in Kuching, and I feel excited to perform in front of the home crowd. The competition from Sabah and Brunei will be strong, but we are ready,” he said.
Nyepa told Sarawak Tribune that he views the Borneo Games as an important preparation for the SEA Games in December.
Jackie Wong, who last represented Sarawak at the Borneo Games in 2011, expressed pride and determination in making his return.
“After 13 years, I’m honoured to be chosen to represent my home state again. I hope to win gold and make Sarawak proud,” he said.
Wong competes in the hammer throw and brings a wealth of experience, having participated in the SEA Games in 2017, 2021, and 2023.
In field events, javelin thrower Ng Jing Xuan, the national junior record holder, is among the athletes seeking to test their limits.
“I’m well-prepared and hopeful everything goes smoothly. I’ll try my best to see whether I can reach new distances,” said Ng, who trains at Bukit Jalil as part of the national team. She also called on supporters to cheer for Sarawak’s athletics team at the Borneo Games Kuching 2025.
Meanwhile, Grace Wong Xiu Mei, hammer thrower and national record holder, is using the Borneo Games as a warm-up for the SEA Games.
Born to a Papua New Guinea mother and a Chinese father, she has trained extensively in China and aims to outperform her previous marks.
“For this game, it’s just a warm-up before the SEA Games. I hope to do better than my last performance,” she said.
Mandy Goh, competing in the 400m hurdles, says she is approaching the Games with a relaxed mindset.
“I just want to enjoy the competition. If I get something, I’ll accept it,” she said, adding that her next target is the Pahang Open in October.
Quennie Ting, a first-time participant in discus throw, is also targeting a strong performance. The 28-year-old national record holder aims to hit the 50-metre mark.
“I am the national record holder with a distance of 52.77 metres. It’s my first Borneo Games, and I’m proud to represent Sarawak,” she said.
For Brendon Ting Li King, competing in the triple jump, the goal is to break his personal best of 15.62m. The 23-year-old from Miri is balancing coaching duties with training for the Games.
“I hope to push myself to almost 16 metres,” he said.
Athletics at the Borneo Games 2025 will take place from Sept 25 to 27 at Sarawak Stadium, featuring competitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, and East Kalimantan.
