Kuching: The Borneo Games 2025 is being hailed as an essential platform to unite and foster solidarity among the people on the island, declared Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He emphasized that after a 12-year hiatus, the main focus is to rekindle the joy and excitement associated with the event.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Karim stated that the priority is not solely on intense competition or determining the champion, but rather on successfully organizing the event without issues and strengthening ties among the participating regions. This was articulated during a press conference following the launch ceremony of the Borneo Games Kuching 2025 at Stadium Perpaduan.

Abdul Karim also mentioned that the Borneo Games will be held biennially, with the next host venue being decided by the leaders of the participating contingents. He highlighted that the decision would depend on which region, country, or province is prepared to host and whom they wish to invite from across Borneo Island.

In his speech, Abdul Karim reminisced that the games were first held in 1954 in Brunei Darussalam as a platform to unite athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei. However, the games were discontinued after the 16th edition in 1970 due to various constraints. They were revived from 2005 to 2013, with the last edition hosted in Labuan. Today, after a 12-year break, the legacy is being revived in Kuching.

The Borneo Games Kuching 2025, which commenced today and will continue until Sunday, features five events: athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery.