Borneo Games 2025 A Platform For Unity - Abdul Karim

KUCHING, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Games 2025 is a vital platform to unite and foster solidarity among the people on the island, said Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said after a 12-year hiatus, the priority now is to rekindle the joy and excitement of the event.

"Our focus is not solely on intense competition or who emerges as champion, but on successfully organising this event without issues, while strengthening ties among the participating regions," he told reporters after the launch ceremony of the Borneo Games Kuching 2025 at Stadium Perpaduan here today.

Abdul Karim added that the Borneo Games will be held every two years, with the next host venue to be decided by the leaders of the participating contingents.

"The decision depends on which region, country, or province is prepared to host, including who they wish to invite from across the Borneo Island," he said.

In his speech, Abdul Karim recalled that the games were first held in 1954 in Brunei Darussalam as a platform to unite athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei.

"However, after the 16th edition in 1970, the games were discontinued due to various constraints. It was later revived from 2005 to 2013, with the last edition hosted in Labuan. Today, after 12 years of hiatus, we are reviving this legacy in Kuching," he said.

The Borneo Games Kuching 2025, which kicks off today and continues until Sunday, features five events, namely athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery.

-- BERNAMA