KUCHING – Kuching is hosting the 35th ASEAN Veteran Basketball Tournament at the MBKS Indoor Stadium, with around 30 teams from across Southeast Asia and Malaysia taking part in the event.
The tournament marks the fifth occasion on which Kuching has hosted the regional veteran basketball competition, bringing together players from Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, West Malaysia, Kuching and Miri.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng welcomed the participating teams and officials to the city, describing the tournament as an opportunity for sport, friendship and regional interaction.
The competition features veteran players from a wide range of age groups. Participants in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s are taking to the court to compete, demonstrating that sporting participation can continue well into later life.
Dato Wee said the participation of older athletes reflected the spirit of active ageing, with sport providing opportunities for seniors to remain physically active while maintaining social connections.
The tournament also comes shortly after a major community event in Kuching involving senior citizens.
Last Saturday, Kuching hosted the Kuching Zumba Fiesta 2026, where 2,292 senior citizens took part. The turnout resulted in a new Malaysia Book of Records achievement and highlighted the level of participation among older residents in physical and recreational activities.
The mayor said the achievement demonstrated that ageing does not necessarily mean becoming less active. Events that encourage movement and social participation can provide opportunities for older people to remain engaged with their communities.
MBKS is also part of the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities. Through this involvement, the council has continued to highlight the importance of creating an urban environment where people of different generations can remain active, connected and included.
The veteran basketball tournament forms part of a wider programme of activities taking place in Kuching during Kuching Festival 2026.
The festival brings together elements including sport, culture, food and community activities, creating additional opportunities for residents and visitors to experience different aspects of the city.
Participants and officials visiting Kuching for the basketball tournament have also been encouraged to explore the Kuching Festival Food Fair after their matches.
The invitation is intended to give visiting teams an opportunity to experience local food and the city’s cultural atmosphere while they are in Kuching.
The tournament also involves support from a number of organisations and individuals. Among those acknowledged by MBKS were the Kuching Hornbills Basketball Club, Majlis Seni Sarawak, sponsors, volunteers and tournament officials.
Their involvement has contributed to the organisation and running of the regional competition, which brings veteran basketball players together from several countries and Malaysian locations.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the tournament provides an opportunity for participants from different backgrounds to meet and build friendships through sport.
The participation of teams from Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines also gives the event a regional dimension, while teams from West Malaysia, Kuching and Miri add a Malaysian presence to the competition.
Dato Wee encouraged all players to approach the tournament with a balance of competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
He called on the participating athletes to compete strongly, play fairly, build friendships and make the most of their time in Kuching.
The hosting of the 35th ASEAN Veteran Basketball Tournament adds another international sporting event to Kuching’s calendar and provides a platform for veteran athletes to remain involved in competitive sport.
With the tournament taking place alongside Kuching Festival 2026, visitors have the opportunity to experience both the sporting competition and the city’s wider cultural and food activities.
For the participating players, the event is also an opportunity to demonstrate that sporting participation and social connection can continue across generations.
The tournament therefore combines competition with broader themes of active ageing, community participation and international friendship.
