KUCHING: After 12 years, the Borneo Games returned to Kuching, with Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah calling it a platform to revive regional unity and strengthen sporting ties.
Launched at Stadium Perpaduan tonight (Sept 24), the Games opened with over 1,000 athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, and East Kalimantan marching in, marking the start of five days of competition across athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery.
Abdul Karim described the Games as a celebration of sporting heritage that should not be lost again.
“Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, and this festival of sports reflects the strength and unity of its people. We do not want this event to fade away again — instead, we want it to grow, perhaps even to the scale of the SEA Games,” he said in his address.
Abdul Karim reminded athletes and officials of the Borneo Games’ long history, dating back to its inaugural edition in 1955. The last edition was held in Labuan in 2013.
“This year marks a new journey — one that rekindles the Borneo spirit after more than a decade. I believe this will inspire athletes, strengthen friendships, and deepen cultural ties across borders,” he added.
He also underlined Sarawak’s wider ambition of becoming Malaysia’s sporting powerhouse, noting that the Sarawak Sports Complex — the current Games venue will play a central role in hosting events for the SEA Games in 2027.
“From athletics to aquatics, our facilities are being upgraded to world-class standards. We want Sarawak not only to host international competitions but also to produce champions,” he said.
The Borneo Games Kuching 2025 will have over 125 gold medals contested until Sept 28. Traditional events such as blowpipe and tug-of-war will also be staged, reflecting Borneo’s cultural heritage alongside modern sports.
Beyond competition, Abdul Karim emphasised the Games’ role in boosting sports tourism, with the influx of athletes, officials, and supporters expected to generate positive spillover effects for the local economy.
“The Borneo Games are not just about medals, but also about friendship, culture, and shared pride. They showcase Sarawak’s readiness to host international events and its commitment to regional solidarity,” he said.
