KUCHING: Sarawak will host 18 sports events at the 2027 SEA Games, potentially including tennis, swimming, diving, cricket and archery, with venues like Megalanes Sarawak and the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre being utilised.
This follows the federal cabinet’s approval for the formation of the organising committee for the upcoming regional sporting event.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that the Sarawak government, in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry, has already identified the sports to be held in the state.
“Among the sports we are confident in hosting are ten-pin bowling, swimming, diving and cricket.
“Our venues, such as the Megalanes bowling alley and the aquatic centre, are among the best in the country,” Abdul Karim said during a press conference at Baitulmakmur Building II today.
In addition to the confirmed sports, he mentioned that the state is negotiating with the relevant authorities to potentially host more events, including gymnastics, as the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation has expressed a preference for Kuching as the venue.
“For Sarawak, we will maintain 18 sports. One factor we are considering is the availability of sports facilities.
“If we don’t have the proper facilities, we won’t host those events.
“However, sports like ten-pin bowling are nearly guaranteed because we have one of the best bowling alleys in Malaysia, Megalanes.
“Apart from that, swimming, diving, and likely cricket will also be held here due to our excellent cricket ground.
“Other events include taekwondo, archery and shooting,” he explained.
He said that while other events will likely be held in West Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur as the main venue – some sports, like football, may be moved to Johor, and other events could be held in Penang.
“We will ensure that the sports are held in venues that meet the highest standards.
“For instance, we are planning to upgrade our shooting facilities to include the necessary infrastructure for skeet and trap shooting,” Abdul Karim added.
He also highlighted that Sarawak’s facilities for lawn bowling and archery, and Stadium Perpaduan which can be used for taekwondo, along with other facilities for wushu and squash, are all within the Sarawak Sports Complex.
“Among the sports events most likely to be hosted here is tennis, as we have an excellent tennis venue.
“These are some of the events that might be held in Sarawak,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim confirmed that the opening ceremony for the SEA Games will take place in Kuching, a decision that has already been agreed upon and is expected to draw significant attention to the state’s role as a host.
