KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to invest in sports development, not only to benefit the state’s youth but also to share with counterparts from other regions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move is important for modern facilities to nurture promising athletes while also instilling discipline among the younger generation through sports.
He added that this was why Sarawak had agreed to co-host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) 2027, with the opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Kuching, alongside various new sports infrastructure projects.
“We will also build a sports village in this area, which will include another new arena – a velodrome to be constructed in the city.
“For motorsports, we will be developing a racing circuit in Sarawak. These facilities are part of our investment to strengthen youth discipline through sports,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Borneo Games 2025 at the Penview Convention Centre on Sunday.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of East Kalimantan for agreeing to host the Borneo Games 2027.
“To the athletes who have travelled from afar, I wish you a safe journey home, a happy reunion with your families, and continued training as you prepare to compete in East Kalimantan, the 2027 host.
“I thank the Governor for hosting the Games in 2027,” he said.
The Borneo Games is an annual sporting event involving participants from regions and nations across Borneo.
First introduced in 1954, the Games were revived in 2005 and continued until 2013, with the last edition held in Labuan.
The 2025 edition saw participation from Brunei Darussalam, East Kalimantan, Sabah, Federal Territory of Labuan, and Sarawak.
He added that this was why Sarawak had agreed to co-host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) 2027, with the opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Kuching, alongside various new sports infrastructure projects.
“We will also build a sports village in this area, which will include another new arena – a velodrome to be constructed in the city.
“For motorsports, we will be developing a racing circuit in Sarawak. These facilities are part of our investment to strengthen youth discipline through sports,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Borneo Games 2025 at the Penview Convention Centre on Sunday.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of East Kalimantan for agreeing to host the Borneo Games 2027.
“To the athletes who have travelled from afar, I wish you a safe journey home, a happy reunion with your families, and continued training as you prepare to compete in East Kalimantan, the 2027 host.
“I thank the Governor for hosting the Games in 2027,” he said.
The Borneo Games is an annual sporting event involving participants from regions and nations across Borneo.
First introduced in 1954, the Games were revived in 2005 and continued until 2013, with the last edition held in Labuan.
The 2025 edition saw participation from Brunei Darussalam, East Kalimantan, Sabah, Federal Territory of Labuan, and Sarawak.