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Sumber Pelita Brunei (Translation MCYS)

News: Wan Mohamad Sahran Wan Ahmadi – Information Department

​Photos: Pg. Mohd. Aminol Adi Azraie Pg. Haji Nikman – Information Department

RIMBA, Monday, 29 September — The Brunei Darussalam contingent achieved remarkable success at the 6th Borneo Games 2025 held in Kuching, Sarawak, securing a total of four gold medals, seven silver medals, and seven bronze medals.

The nation’s gold medals were earned in aquatic swimming events at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Petra Jaya Sports Complex, with standout performances by Dayang Sharmeen binti Mohammad Mharvin, who claimed three gold medals, and Joel Ling Thai Yu, who contributed one gold medal for Brunei.

Welcoming the contingent’s return at the Air Movement Centre, Royal Brunei Air Force Base, was the Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Pengiran Haji Mohd. Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan, along with officials from the ministry.

Pengiran Haji Mohd. Hasnan expressed deep appreciation for the fighting spirit and dedication of the contingent, especially the athletes who brought pride to the nation through their achievements. He hoped their success would inspire other athletes, particularly the younger generation.

He also encouraged those who did not win medals not to be disheartened, but instead to use the experience as motivation to improve their performance in future competitions.

Pengiran Haji Mohd. Hasnan extended his gratitude to the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) for safely transporting the contingent to and from the event.

Meanwhile, Pelita Brunei had the opportunity to interview national swimming champion Dayang Sharmeen, who made headlines at the 6th Borneo Games by winning three gold medals in the Women’s Backstroke categories for 50m, 100m, and 200m, as well as the 50m Freestyle.

She expressed her gratitude and joy for the achievement, which she described as the result of her hard work and dedication during training. The moment of winning gold for Brunei abroad was especially meaningful to her.

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Dayang Sharmeen also noted that her personal records achieved during the competition were the best she had ever recorded across the four categories she participated in. She had trained for about a month prior to the event, including during her participation in a competition in the Republic of Singapore. Despite feeling nervous during the Borneo Games, she remained calm and focused to perform at her best.

Although she had secured three gold medals, she acknowledged the need to improve various techniques to enhance her future performances.

Gold medalist in the Men’s 50m Backstroke, Joel Ling Thai Yu, also expressed his pride and gratitude for contributing a gold medal to the nation. He was thrilled to hear the Brunei National Anthem played during the event in Sarawak.

He stated that the medal reflected the effectiveness of his swimming strategy developed with his coach. Although he had previously competed internationally, winning this gold medal fulfilled a long-held dream. He broke his personal record with a time of 27.25 seconds, surpassing his previous best of 27.86 seconds, and simultaneously set a new national record in swimming.

Joel emphasized that his success required significant sacrifices, especially in managing his time as a student. He prioritized academics while maintaining a disciplined training schedule since July, focusing on endurance, speed, and underwater kicking techniques.

He is set to begin his university studies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month and hopes to continue training effectively to perform even better in future competitions.

Both athletes, along with their teammates, expressed heartfelt thanks for the unwavering support from their families and coaches who guided and trained them. They also acknowledged the support from sports associations and the Department of Youth and Sports, which provided opportunities to showcase their talents on the international stage.

Also present at the event were the Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, Abdul Munir Lutfi Said; Deputy Commander of RBAirF, Colonel (U) Hismawadi bin Haji Mohd. Said; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture), MCYS, Dr. Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah; senior officials from MCYS; national sports associations; and parents and guardians.​

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