THE Borneo Games, a regional sporting event last held 12 years ago, made a triumphant comeback when it was staged in Kuching this year.
The Games brought together more than 1,000 athletes and officials from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan for four days of competition from Sept 25-28.
“Borneo Games 2025 is more than just a competitive arena. It is a platform for sports diplomacy, cultural exchange and forging friendships across borders,” said Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening ceremony.
The Games date back to 1954, when the first edition was held in Seria, Brunei. After the 16th edition in 1970, however, it came to a halt due to various constraints.
It was revived in 2005 and last held in Labuan in 2013, before returning this year to Kuching.
“We don’t want the Games to die out, so we made efforts to revive it. In future, we hope to see the Games expand and reach greater heights,” Abdul Karim said.
Five sports were contested at the Kuching Borneo Games – athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls and archery.
Traditional sports such as blowpipe shooting and tug-of-war were also included, along with a VIP golf event.
“The traditional sports reflect the identity and cultural heritage of Borneo,” Abdul Karim said.
“Their inclusion shows our commitment to uphold our cultures and traditions so they continue to live on among our people.”
East Kalimantan contingent chief H. Husinsyah MT welcomed the opportunity to compete again.
“We took part in the last Borneo Games in Labuan. At that time, more sports were contested, including football and pencak silat. We hope that in future Borneo Games, more sports can be included so that more athletes can take part,” he said.
Husinsyah added that the Games play an important role in both sports development and regional unity.
“It can help our athletes prepare for national and international championships, like the SEA Games.
“We also hope the Borneo Games will bring the people of Borneo together in unity and foster closer ties among us,” he said.
Sabah contingent chief Datuk Mansur Asun said the state’s athletes had been training throughout the year for the Games and upcoming events.
“We are aiming for consistency in performance.
“For the Borneo Games, we included younger athletes in our contingent to give them exposure to competition and help them prepare for the next Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 2026,” he said.
Hosts Sarawak emerged overall champions of the Borneo Games 2025, winning 62 gold medals, 61 silver and 45 bronze.
Sabah came in second with 26 gold medals, followed by East Kalimantan (12), Labuan (five) and Brunei (four).
In the traditional sports, Sabah won the tug-of-war event, with Brunei second and Sarawak third.
The blowpipe shooting was contested between Sarawak and East Kalimantan, with the hosts winning all five events – men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
The next Borneo Games in 2027 will be hosted by East Kalimantan, with its capital Samarinda expected to be the main venue.
The East Kalimantan contingent posing with the Borneo Games mascot at the opening ceremony. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
A discus athlete in action during the Borneo Games 2025.
The tug-of-war was featured as a traditional sport.
Athletes getting set on the starting line for the hurdles race.
A swimmer making waves at the event.
The Sabah contingent finished second overall.
Athletics was one of five core sports contested at the Borneo Games.
Participants taking part in the blowpipe shooting event.
