‘Sports is the most unifying tool for peace by bringing people together across boundaries and cultures.’
– Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg, Premier of Sarawak
This past week can be described as a very joyous and happy one for the people of Sarawak. When it comes to sports, we have good reasons to celebrate.
Sarawak secured the pole position in the just-concluded 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) last Saturday, a long-awaited achievement. Sarawak clinched a total of 76 gold medals, narrowly edging out the Federal Territories by just one gold.
This victory marked the end of a 30-year wait for Sarawak to emerge as the overall champions of SUKMA, following their consecutive wins in 1990, 1992, and 1994.
The 21st SUKMA was hosted by Sarawak and took place across various venues in Kuching, Lundu, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Mukah, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.
Congratulations are due to the organizing committee whose hard work and diligence shone through during the week-long games. The opening ceremony has even been described as superior to the one held at the recent Olympics in Paris. That’s certainly a significant achievement for Sarawak!
Amidst SUKMA, an announcement by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Haji Openg caught my attention. I view this news as another happy event for Sarawakians, particularly sports enthusiasts, this past week.
During the SUKMA dinner on August 21, Abang Johari unexpectedly proposed the revival of the Borneo Games, mentioning that he had discussed the idea with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The premier’s announcement took many by surprise, but for those familiar with the Borneo Games or who have memories of the event from decades ago, I am certain they would warmly welcome and support this initiative.
I am thrilled by this news as I have fond memories of watching the Borneo Games at the Jubilee Ground in Padungan, Kuching when Sarawak hosted the games in the past.
Those were the days when the Jubilee Ground served as the primary sporting venue for major events in the state capital, before the construction of Stadium Negeri Sarawak.
Though the Jubilee Ground was just a bitumen track where athletes risked bruises from falls, the atmosphere and excitement were unparalleled.
I vividly remember accompanying my elder sister to the games in the late 60s and early 70s when I was in lower secondary school. As my sister was a sports official, I had the privilege of sitting in the small grandstand at the venue.
What captivated me during those years were the track and field events, especially the middle-distance races like the 3000m steeplechase, where Borneo’s top athletes competed for gold.
Representing Sarawak was Joe O’Connor, a Peace Corps volunteer teacher who also taught at my school, St Joseph’s School, Kuching. From Sabah, there was the renowned Olympian track star Dilbagh Singh Kler, who had also represented Malaysia at various international events.
I remember the fierce competition between O’Connor and Singh, with one of them usually claiming the top spot. Their rivalry was a highlight of the Borneo Games.
Other notable athletes included Bala “Kuda” Ditta, Albert Blassan, Joseph Lee, Salleh Wahab, and Latiff Olen. They were the sporting heroes of Sarawak, fondly remembered by those whose paths they crossed.
While my memories of the Borneo Games fade after the 70s, I believe the premier’s plan to revive the games is a commendable idea that will significantly contribute to sports development in Sarawak and the region.
Expanding the games to include participants from outside Borneo, such as Peninsular Malaysia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, is also a wise move that will enhance competitiveness and elevate the event’s standards.
The inaugural Borneo Games in 1954, hosted by the Seria Recreation Club of Brunei and involving Brunei, Sarawak, and North Borneo (Sabah), marked the beginning of a tradition where these regions took turns hosting the Games.
Although the popularity and standard of the Games seemed to diminish by the reported last edition in Brunei in 2009, I wholeheartedly support the revival of the Borneo Games. It is crucial to provide more opportunities for our athletes to compete at higher levels and to nurture new talents in sports.
Perhaps the Borneo Games will unveil a sports star who will bring home Malaysia’s elusive Olympic gold medal. In sports, anything is possible. So, let’s make it happen, Sarawak. Bring on the Borneo Games!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
