KUCHING: The revived Borneo Games will take place here in September with participation from six states, territories and provinces.

Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Games aimed to strengthen relations between neighbouring states on Borneo, besides promoting sports and tourism.

“Through sports, arts and culture, we can develop closer ties to one another,” he told a press conference after chairing a coordination meeting on the Games here on Friday (July 4).

Karim said athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, East Kalimantan and West Kalimantan will take part in eight sports during the Games from Sept 24 to 28.

These include badminton, lawn bowls, athletics, archery and swimming, as well as the traditional events of blowpipe shooting and tug-of-war.

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“There will also be a VIP golf event which is non-competitive, with no medals to be awarded,” he added.

A total of 124 gold medals will be up for grabs, although Karim said this might be increased following a proposal for two more to be added to blowpipe shooting.

He said the Games were open to all athletes from the participating states and provinces, except Olympians.

Registration for participation will open in the middle of this month and close on Aug 29.

Karim said there were also plans to invite entrepreneurs to set up stalls during the Games.

“There will be a Borneo Kitchen and an arts and crafts exhibition involving the various participating states and provinces.

“This will be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to sell their products and network with one another,” he said.

The Borneo Games were first held in 1955 and last took place in Labuan in 2013.

Last year, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg proposed bringing back the Games.

Karim also said there were plans for the Games to be held every two years after this.

He said it could be extended to other states outside Borneo by invitation in the future.

“Three states from Peninsular Malaysia have indicated their interest in participating.

“We can even extend it to Australia’s Northern Territory because Sarawak has participated in the Arafura Games there,” he added.