KUCHING: The 6th Sarawak Sprint 2026 reaffirmed its importance as East Malaysia’s only short-course swimming competition, attracting 468 swimmers from across the region and serving as a key platform for developing young swimming talent.
The three-day championship, held from Apr 24 to 26, brought together 16 swimming clubs and participants from Sarawak, Sabah, West Malaysia, as well as international swimmers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Officiating the closing ceremony on behalf of Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dzulkornain Masron, who praised the event for promoting sportsmanship, discipline, and regional collaboration.
He described the championship as an important avenue for nurturing swimming talents and elevating the standards of the sport in Sarawak and the wider region.
“Over the past three days, we have witnessed an inspiring display of determination, discipline, and sportsmanship.
“This championship, being the only short-course swimming competition in East Malaysia, has once again proven to be an important platform for nurturing swimming talents and elevating the standards of the sport in our region, especially in Sarawak,” he said in his address at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre today (Apr 26).
Dzulkornain also commended President of Power Aquatics Swimming Club Pemanca Tan Kun Gee, for successfully hosting the event and bringing together a strong field of competitors.
He noted that the presence of swimmers from neighbouring countries added greater meaning to the championship, reflecting the spirit of unity, friendship, and international sporting cooperation.
“What makes this event even more meaningful is the international participation from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei, alongside swimmers from Sabah, West Malaysia, and of course, Sarawak.
“This truly reflects the spirit of unity, friendship, and regional collaboration through sports,” he added.
He also praised the swimmers for their resilience and commitment, saying every participant was a winner regardless of medals or podium finishes.
“To all the swimmers, you have shown not only your competitive spirit, but also resilience and commitment. Whether you lift a medal, achieve a personal best, or stand on the podium or not, each of you is a winner for your courage to compete,” he said.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by coaches and parents in supporting the athletes’ development, describing their guidance as invaluable.
Dzulkornain said events like the Sarawak Sprint are crucial in building a strong sporting ecosystem in Sarawak, in line with the state government’s aspiration to develop youth through sport while promoting healthy lifestyles and international exposure.
He expressed confidence that many of the young talents seen during the championship would go on to represent Sarawak and Malaysia at higher levels in the future.
He also extended appreciation to the organising committee, officials, volunteers, and all those working behind the scenes for ensuring the success of the competition before officially declaring the 6th Sarawak Sprint 2026 closed.
