Kota Kinabalu: The 2026 National Sports Day (HSN) celebration will be held simultaneously across six zones in Sabah this Saturday, with a target of 600,000 participants statewide.
Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (pic) said the Sabah-level HSN 2026 celebration would be held at Padang Istiadat, Tuaran and officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Besides Tuaran, the HSN celebration will also be held simultaneously in five other zones across Sabah, namely Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, Beaufort and Keningau.
“The celebration is expected to bring together about 600,000 people across the State through various sports programmes and healthy lifestyle activities.
“The organisation of this event is not merely an annual activity, but symbolises the government’s commitment to fostering sports as a culture and part of people’s daily lives, rather than only when there are competitions.
“When the body is healthy and the mind is alert, society can carry out their daily roles and tasks better,” he said when met by the media after an interview session with SabahFM and Studio Kami Bah Ni (KBI) at the Integrated Complex of the Ministry of Communications, on Monday.
Nizam said various programmes had been planned from as early as 6am and were suitable for all segments of society, including children and persons with disabilities (OKU).
He said HSN 2026 carries the theme ‘Sports and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology’, in line with current technological advancements.
“In line with this year’s theme, an AI-based sport, Virtual Reality Taekwondo, has also been introduced, allowing participants to experience taekwondo virtually using special equipment without physical contact, while visitors can also take part in e-Sports.
“Nevertheless, physical programmes will also be organised, including the Perdana Aerobics, Madani Fun Run and Madani Fun Walk,” he said.
Nizam also said that besides celebrating HSN 2026, visitors could visit the Rahmah Sales booths and stand a chance to win various attractive prizes through lucky draws.
He urged the people of Tuaran and surrounding areas to attend and participate in the activities provided.
HSN is one of the annual programmes first implemented in 2015 and is celebrated every second Saturday of October.
