KUCHING: With just days to go, anticipation is building for the Borneo Games 2025 as organisers intensify promotion efforts to draw public interest to the regional meet.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat said the public has shown curiosity about the event, and organisers are making a final push to ensure the Games capture attention across Sarawak and beyond.
“In the next six days, all promotions will be ramped up.
“Thank you (media) for the support during SUKMA, and hopefully for the Borneo Games, you will continue to support us across all platforms, including social media,” he said.
Ripin was speaking to reporters after welcoming the Kenyalang Warrior and Cheer Team for the Borneo Games 2025 at Sarawak Sports Village on Thursday (Sept 18).
Acting chief executive officer of Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) Khairul Nizam Morshidi said promotional activities had started later than planned due to uncertainty over contingent participation.
“We had to wait for confirmations from several contingents before launching full-scale publicity. Once entries were in place, we immediately began promotions — though admittedly a bit late,” he said.
The Borneo Games, last held in Labuan in 2013, will make their long-awaited return this year in Kuching.
First staged in 1955 in Brunei, the event is set for its third edition, reviving a regional sporting tradition after more than a decade’s hiatus.
Organisers are confident the event will appeal to the public, both for its competitive sports and its showcase of cultural elements.
Although the blowpipe competition has been dropped, it will continue as a demonstration sport, offering spectators the chance to experience a unique aspect of Borneo’s heritage.
Ripin added that the Games’ revival follows the vision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to strengthen regional ties through sport.
He stressed that despite changes to the programme and the absence of West Kalimantan, organisers are adapting well to the situation.
“Now we are improvising and making sure the message about the Borneo Games gets out,” he explained.
The Borneo Games is expected to draw around 1,000 athletes when it takes place from Sept 24 to 28 at the Sarawak Sports Complex in Petra Jaya.
