All you need to know about Borneo Games 2025
- BT
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 19 September 2025: The 2025 Borneo Games will be happening this September 24 to 28, 2025 at the Petra Jaya Sports Complex here in Kuching bringing together 372 athletes from 5 contingents – Sarawak, Sabah, the Federal Territory (FE) of Labuan, Brunei Darussalam and East Kalimantan (Indonesia).
All eyes will be on the hosting contingent, as a total of 181 Sarawakian athletes will be competing against 30 athletes from Brunei Darussalam, 19 athletes from East Kalimantan, 50 athletes from FE Labuan and 92 athletes from Sabah. A total of 7 sports will be contested in the Games, including 5 core sports (Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Lawn Bowls and Swimming), 2 traditional sport (Tug of War and Blowpipe) and 1 VIP sport (Golf).
CORE SPORTS
Athletics @ Sarawak Stadium
Top athletes from across the region will be competing with passion, pride and determination, showcasing the essence of human performance through speed, strength, endurance and precision. It will feature both Track (100m, 200m, 400m, Middle-Distance, Long-Distance and Relays) and Field (High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Discus, Hammer and Javelin) events.
Archery @ Sarawak Archery Range
A sport of focus, precision and composure, athletes will be competing against distance, wind and nerves to showcase not only accuracy, but also consistency. It will feature Individual (Men & Women), Team and Mixed Team categories in Recurve, Compound and Barebow Events.
Badminton @ Unity Indoor Stadium
One of the most popular and exciting sports in the region, it combines speed, agility, power and precision, as athletes battle it out on a world-class setting for dominance on the court. It will feature 3 events, namely Singles (Men’s & Women’s), Doubles (Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles) and Team Events (Men’s and Women’s).
Lawn Bowls @ Sarawak Lawn Bowls Arena
A game of strategy, accuracy and control, watch as athletes go head-to-head in this traditional yet exciting sport, carefully delivering their bowls with the goal of finishing closest to the jack. It will feature Singles (Men’s and Women’s), Pairs (Men’s, Women’s and Mixed) and Triples & Fours.
Swimming @ Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre
The waters will see some of the most exciting and emotional moments throughout the event, with athletes showcasing speed, stamina and technique throughout a wide range of disciplines, including Freestyle (50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m), Backstroke, Breaststroke & Butterfly (Men’s and Women’s Individual Distances), Individual Medley (Combination of all 4 strokes) and Relays (Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Teams).
TRADITIONAL GAMES
Blowpipe @ Field D, Petra Jaya Sports Complex
A traditional sport of heritage and precision, the blowpipe competition requires steady hands, sharp focus and calm demeanour, highlighting both athleticism and cultural significance through ancient ways. It will feature Men’s and Women’s Individual events as well as Double and Mixed Events.
Tug of War @ Field D, Petra Jaya Sports Complex
The ultimate test of strength, teamwork and determination, watch as 2 teams battle it out in a contest of pure power, strength and strategy. Thrilling in its simplicity, the sport is one of the most exciting traditional events at the Games.
VIP SPORT
Golf @ Sarawak Golf Club
Invitation only, this event brings together distinguished guests, officials and players in a spirit of camaraderie that celebrates the value of friendships and bonding rather than medals.
The Borneo Carnival will also be held alongside the Games, according to the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, featuring entrepreneurs and cultural showcases from Sarawak and neighbouring regions.
A total of 124 gold medals will be up for grabs for this year’s Borneo Games. Last held in 2013, the Borneo Games is a long-standing event first held in 1955. By prioritising quality over quantity, its comeback after a 12-year absence will see a modest revival with plans for expansions in future editions.
For more updates on the upcoming Borneo Games, check out https://www.borneogames2025.com/ and stay updated on Facebook, Threads and Instagram at @borneogames2025
