Ramjit Nairu said the games offer a unique platform for athletes to hone their skills while allowing them the opportunity to compete against rivals from Brunei and Kalimantan in Indonesia.

“The more platforms athletes have, the better their chances of participating in major events,” the former national high jumper from Sabah told FMT.

Ramjit was commenting on the Sarawak government’s proposal to revive the biennial games, last held in Brunei 15 years ago.

The 2009 edition featured 12 sports, including four compulsory events – athletics, hockey, football and sepak takraw – and seven optional events: badminton, billiards, fencing, futsal, lawn bowling, pencak silat and tennis.

Football legend James Wong, also supported the revival of the Borneo Games, saying it had historical and cultural significance.

“(The Borneo Games) gave us a platform to be introduced to the world, and allowed us to show what we had to offer. It also allows us Borneans to show part of our many cultures not only to each other but to other countries watching,” the former national striker who hails from Sabah said.

Wong said both Sabah and Sarawak could reap significant economic benefits from hosting the games.

“There will surely be spillover effects for vendors and businesses such as hotels and restaurants,” he said.