Bernama Clinches Gold On Debut At Traditional Games Festival

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) made a successful debut at the Malaysia Games Festival @ Putrajaya 2025 (FPM@Putrajaya 2025) today, winning a gold medal in the bola sepak kain sarung (sarong football) event.

Bernama's 110-strong contingent participated in nine traditional games at the festival, which is now in its 10th edition and organised by the Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN).

Bernama's chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, said the agency accepted the challenge from JKKN to take part in the festival and help promote traditional games.

"Despite it being our first time participating in the FPM, we sent a large contingent of 110 staff to compete in all nine traditional games," she said when met at the venue. Also present was Bernama's editor-in-chief, Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Nur-ul Afida remarked that the Bernama contingent demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit and enthusiasm, significantly contributing to the energy of this year's event.

"Whenever Bernama enters any competition, the staff’s sporting spirit and unity are exceptionally strong. We can see this in their meticulous planning, from organising the cheer squad to decorating our booth with thoughtfully chosen traditional concepts," she said. 

Meanwhile, Arul Rajoo highlighted the festival's importance in elevating traditional games to revive such pastimes that are increasingly being forgotten.

"It is important to revive these traditional games, especially among the younger generation," he emphasised.

The festival drew 2,436 participants from three main categories: Uniformed Bodies, the Corporate Sector, and Higher Education Institutions. 

Among the contested games were traditional tug-of-war, marbles, tin-can throw (tuju tin), five stones (batu seremban), long pole (galah panjang), sepak raga ratus, and sarong football.

-- BERNAMA