KUCHING: The 8th Borneo Sikh Games kicked off with Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, hailing the event as more than a competition, but a celebration of bonding, solidarity, and cultural pride.
Abdul Karim praised the Sikh community for its strong values and achievements despite its small numbers in Sarawak.
“There are about 1,000 Sikhs in Sarawak. But despite that small number, you all have done very, very well – in sports, in whatever you do, whether it is in West Malaysia, in Singapore, or in other parts of the world.
“When they want to do something, they are very passionate. That is why many of them end up becoming doctors, lawyers, or other professionals all over the world,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 8th Borneo Sikh Games at Gurdwara Sahib today.
Citing the legacy of former national footballer, Santokh Singh, Abdul Karim encouraged Sikh athletes to aspire towards representing Sarawak and Malaysia on the bigger stage.
He said the event is not only about sports, but also about bonding, strengthening relationships, and fostering goodwill across borders.
The three-day Games will see 163 athletes competing in six sports – badminton, futsal, bowling, tug-of-war, hockey, and volleyball – with contingents from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan and Brunei taking part.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, highlighted the wider benefits of the Games, noting that families and officials travelling to Kuching would contribute to the local economy by staying in hotels, dining at restaurants, and visiting tourist attractions.
“As Minister of Tourism as well, I encourage all of you to explore Kuching. Visit the Borneo Cultures Museum, Sarawak Cultural Village, and don’t miss the Orang Utan Sanctuary. These are gems that make Sarawak unique,” he said.
He further announced a government grant of RM70,000 to support the organisation of the Games, acknowledging the hard work of the committee in bringing the event together.
“It is a celebration of solidarity and community spirit. Through sports, we can come together not only to compete, but also to strengthen bonding.
“What I have mentioned just now is about strengthening the bonds across borders, across ‘wilayah’ (regions), to build goodwill and of course, strengthen the ties that unite you all, that unite us as a family,” he said.
Also present at the event was Sarawak Sikh Temple Association’s
President, Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira.
