KUCHING: Sarawak will not take its rivals lightly at the Borneo Games 2025 despite enjoying the advantage of being host.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, who is also chef de mission (CDM) of the state contingent, said motivational sessions have been held to provide mental support and ensure athletes are prepared to withstand pressure in pursuit of strong results across all events.
“We are determined to be the overall winner, but our targets have not been publicly shared. I believe we can achieve them, yet we cannot underestimate or take lightly the challenges from other teams such as Sabah, East Kalimantan, Labuan and Brunei. We must give our best effort to guarantee success,” he said.
He added that while Sarawak may benefit from the home ground advantage, the athletes must treat every opponent with respect and compete at the highest level.
On Sarawak’s gold medal prospects, Ripin said the state will not limit its hopes to any single sport.
“Every event is a potential gold mine. Wherever there is gold, that is our target. We don’t want to be specific, but if possible, we want to collect as many as we can,” he told reporters at the Borneo Games 2025 contingent flag handover ceremony at Sarawak Sports Village today.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) acting chief executive officer Khairul Nizam Morshidi confirmed that blowpipe shooting will proceed as scheduled following the latest delegation meeting last Saturday.
He said there were concerns over participation levels in certain events, particularly blowpipe, which was earlier in danger of being dropped. However, last-minute confirmation from East Kalimantan ensured its inclusion.
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) permanent secretary Morshidi Frederick added that preparations for the opening ceremony are also in place.
The official ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Sept 24, at 4 pm in Stadium Perpaduan, officiated by Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Games will feature athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan.
The Kuching edition is expected to draw about 1,000 athletes from Sept 24 to 28 at the Sarawak Sports Complex in Petra Jaya.
Organisers have also assured that all venues and facilities are ready to host the competitions, which will include swimming, archery, athletics, tug-of-war, blowpipe shooting, badminton, lawn bowls and VIP golf.
