The 2025 Borneo Games officially begins

BT
Sep 25
2 min read

KUCHING, 25 September 2025: The highly anticipated Borneo Games 2025 is back after a 12-year absence, and is happening in Kuching, Sarawak from September 24 to 28, 2025. The Games’ Opening Ceremony took place yesterday at the Indoor Unity Stadium, and was graced by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED), Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The Borneo Games have had a long history. First organised in Seria, Brunei Darussalam, the Games have been a unifying factor between athletes across Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. Last held in 2013 in Labuan, it is my hope that this year’s Games will not only be a memorable experience for everyone involved, but also a celebration of unity, pride and unbreakable spirit for all of Borneo,” said Abdul Karim in his speech.

“Reviving a sports tournament that has been silent for 12 years wasn’t easy, and we faced many challenges along the way, from logistics and scheduling to participation and commitments. However, we stand here today with pride, thanks to the efforts of every government agencies, private sectors and local community members involves, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the 2025 Borneo Games,” shared Chairman of the Borneo Games 2025 and Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Sarawak, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu in his opening speech.

Yesterday’s ceremony was also attended by the Head of the Sarawak Contingent and Deputy Minister for Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr. Ripin bin Lamat, Head of the Sabah Contingent and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah, Datuk Mansur Haji Asun, Head of the Brunei Darussalam Contingent and Deputy Director of Youth and Sports in Brunei Darussalam, Tuan Haji Mohamad Rosfazilah bin Haji Yusly and MYSED Permanent Secretary, Morshidi Fredrick.

More than just a competition, the Borneo Games brings together different regions and countries within the island of Borneo in the spirit of camaraderie, cultural exchange, sports diplomacy and friendship that transcend borders. This year’s Games is joined by neighbouring countries Brunei Darussalam and East Kalimantan (Indonesia), the Federal Territory of Labuan and Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

This year will also see the over 1,000 athletes and officers from 5 contingents going head-to-head in 5 core sports (Swimming, Athletics, Badminton, Lawn Bowls and Archery) and 2 traditional sports (Blowpipe and Tug of War), with a total of 126 gold medals up for grabs.