21,000 expected as Betong hosts Sarawak-level National Sports Day 2026 from Oct 16-18

Rentap (seated, centre) with the organising committee of the Sarawak-level HSN 2026 during a meeting at the Betong Resident's Office on Sept 17, 2026. Source: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

BETONG, Sept 18: An estimated 21,000 people are expected to take part in 33 sports and recreational activities when Betong hosts the Sarawak-level National Sports Day (HSN) 2026 from Oct 16 to 18, with the main celebration and opening ceremony set for Oct 17 at Dewan Panglima Rentap.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the planned activities included futsal, football, badminton, pickleball, sepak takraw, netball, aerobicthon, e-sports, darts, archery, traditional games, and more.

The programme will also include health screenings, government agency exhibitions, sports industry showcases, and youth entrepreneurship activities.

“We hope the people of Betong will come and celebrate and take part in sports together to improve their health and practise a healthy lifestyle.

“At the same time, these activities can strengthen ties and foster greater harmony and unity among the community,” he said during the State-level HSN 2026 organising committee meeting held at the Betong Resident’s Office on Thursday (Sept 17).

Rentap said the State-level celebration would be held a week after the national-level HSN on Oct 10 to make way for the birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak on Oct 11.

The main programme will include the opening ceremony, Larian Ria Madani, and Berjalan Ria Madani, with the latter two activities expected to draw about 3,000 participants.

He said the event would involve people from various groups, including senior citizens, youths, women, children, and persons with disabilities (OKU).

Rentap said safety and public movement would also be given priority, particularly in determining venues and programme layouts to ensure the safety of participants and members of the public.

He also called on the organising committee to maintain close coordination and cooperation among agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of all activities.

He added that HSN 2026 aimed not only to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle, but also to strengthen ties and unity through sports and recreational activities. — DayakDaily