Labuan: The Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC) 2026 has further strengthened Labuan's position as a competitive sports tourism destination, drawing 5,082 participants across 15 events this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui stated that the total participation represented a 108.88 per cent increase compared to 2,433 in 2025. The event saw international participation from 11 countries this year, compared to seven last year.

'LISC 2026 is not merely an annual sea sports event, but carries a deeper meaning as a manifestation of cooperation, sportsmanship and a platform to showcase the uniqueness and identity of the Labuan,' Datuk Lo Su Fui remarked at the closing ceremony of the event. The event, first held in 1997, has achieved various milestones over the years, becoming one of Labuan's signature tourism events. Notably, the Cross Channel Swimming Challenge was reintroduced this year with 103 participants after a three-year hiatus.

Datuk Lo Su Fui highlighted the strong presence of international participants as evidence of Labuan's relevance and competitiveness as a sports tourism destination. The event successfully attracted 35,000 visitors, leading to positive economic returns for the island's tourism and hospitality sectors. Last year's Deep Sea Fishing Competition saw a 230kg Black Marlin catch, while this year's fish auction generated RM8,817 in sales.

He congratulated the winners and encouraged those who did not win, emphasizing the spirit of participation and the challenge of the sea. He also expressed hope that initiatives under the Labuan 365 programme, in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, would boost Labuan's economic and tourism prospects.