KUCHING: The Borneo Games is set to stage its grand comeback after August this year, with preparations already underway for its revival since the last edition in 2009.
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah confirmed that discussions about the event have been on-going since last year, aiming to launch it with five or six sports, with the possibility of adding more in the future.
“Discussions have been on-going since last year, aiming to launch the event with five or six sports, with more to be added later,” he explained to reporters at the 2025 Sarawak Youth and Sports Grant Handover Ceremony at the Baitulmakmur Building II here.
While the final selection of sports is still being decided, athletics and swimming are considered likely candidates, given the regional strengths in those areas.
The event will require consensus from neighbouring regions such as Brunei, Sabah, and Kalimantan, which have historically participated in the games.
Abdul Karim envisions the event evolving into a major regional sporting competition, helping to foster greater regional cooperation and cultural exchange.
He also revealed that, looking beyond the initial edition, the event may expand to involve regions further afield.
This includes the inclusion of Northern Territory in Australia and Labuan as potential areas for future participation down the pipeline, stating, “Other states in Malaysia have shown interest, but they are not part of Borneo. Therefore, their participation will be by invitation.
“But since this is the first edition, we might not look at it from that angle just yet. For the second and third Borneo Games, we will probably expand it,” he remarked.
The revival of the games is seen as a way to strengthen ties between the regions and provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on a broader stage.
