Tuaran: The second North Borneo Open (NBO) Karate-Do Championship 2025 drew a record 1,237 participants from four countries, strengthening its position as a key sports tourism platform to promote Sabah internationally.
Organised by the Shitoryu Karate Association Sabah, the four-day event was held from Oct 17 to 20 at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), in Penampang.
Association president Gesiri Gambung said participants came from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines and Hong Kong.
“This year’s turnout marks a new milestone with 938 athletes competing in Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf)-sanctioned and non-sanctioned categories, and another 299 in the Festival category.
“Participants ranged from six to 70 years old, reflecting the unity between local and international athletes through karate,” he said when met here.
Gesiri, who also chaired the organising committee, thanked the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) for its support, describing the championship as an effective platform to promote both karate and Sabah as a sports tourism destination.
“With STB’s support, the NBO has become a premier avenue to introduce karate and Sabah to the international community.
“Congratulations to all organisers and partners as international delegates praised the professionalism shown throughout the event, describing it as one of the region’s best tournaments,” he said.
He said the event was officially sanctioned by Makaf and the Malaysia Shitoryu Karatedo Association (Mask), ensuring high technical and judging standards.
An estimated 1,500 participants from eight countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and China, are expected next year.
“All these countries have direct flights to Kota Kinabalu, and we will continue inviting others to strengthen Borneo’s role as a hub for sports and cultural tourism.
“NBO2026 will be the final chapter of our medallion trilogy, so mark your calendars, train hard and return stronger because next year will be bigger, better and more spectacular,” he said.
Meanwhile, STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said the tournament underscored the synergy between sports and tourism in promoting Sabah globally.
“STB contributed RM20,000 in sponsorship, and the championship has been recognised as one of Sabah’s key tourism attractions in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Sports are not merely competitions but catalysts for tourism, youth empowerment and community pride,” he said, describing the event as a model effort to elevate Sabah’s name on the world stage.
Among the international participants, Sensei Frederick Adefuin from the Philippines described the championship as the best he had ever attended.
“My colleague, Sensei Chun Ho Lee from Be Smove Hong Kong, and I were impressed by the world-class organisation and warm hospitality in Sabah.
“The coordination was excellent, and we will return next year with a larger delegation. Kota Kinabalu is a beautiful and welcoming host, we truly felt like one big family, in line with NBO’s slogan, ‘In Karate, We Are One Big Family,’” he said.
Next year’s North Borneo Open 2026 (NBO2026) will be held from August 28 to 30 in Kota Kinabalu.
The Sabah Karate Association (SKA) emerged overall champion with 50 gold, 51 silver and 76 bronze medals, followed by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) (9 golds, four silvers, 13 bronzes) and MSN SSC Karate Sarawak (seven golds, two silvers, two bronzes).
Special awards went to Denzel Tavan Dane Cahilap (Best Male Karateka) and Nur Rasyiqah Fari’ah Ramzi (Best Female Karateka), both from SKA.
Official partners included Headhunters Clothing, Trainix Combat Store, Pizza Hut, Simply Fitness, Katz Media, Life Water, Milo, Tuah Bakery, and SMK Kolombong.
Sponsors comprised Eternity Mode Sdn Bhd (Platinum), Eternity Safe Mode Sdn Bhd (Silver), Firm Synergy (Gold) and several others through special sponsorship packages.
