High-impact Sports Events Boost PD As Sports Tourism Destination

SEREMBAN, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government will continue to intensify the development of sports tourism as its key strategy to drive the state's economic growth through boosting the promotion of destinations, specifically Port Dickson, at the national and international levels ahead of the Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026.

State Youth and Sports Development Action Committee chairman Datuk Mustapha Nagoor said that throughout this year, various high-impact sports events have been held in the district, including international-level competitions and community programmes.

One of the main events was the Negeri Sembilan Forest Orienteering Cup 2025 at PD Forest @ Sungai Menyala, which attracted 154 participants from nine countries, making the district a new destination for orienteering in the region.

"In addition, we also held the PD 2km OWS Classic, Port Dickson Triathlon 2025, Sungai Menyala Forest Trail 2025, BWF Asia Pacific AirBadminton Championship 2025, Cabaran Ombak dan Eksplorasi Port Dickson 2025, 3rd Malaysia National & Merdeka Fest Open Water Swimming Championship, PD Golf ASEAN 2025 and Le Tour de Langkawi Malaysia 2025,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session at the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly here today.

Mustapha (BN-Palong) was replying to a question from Dr G. Rajasekaran (PH-Sri Tanjung), who sought an explanation regarding the state government's efforts to enhance the potential of sports tourism in Port Dickson.

He said they also held the Port Dickson Amphibious Race, the Army Half Marathon and the Port Dickson Surfcasting 2025, which contributed to the presence of sports tourists, while the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) also carried out numerous strategic efforts to strengthen the sports tourism ecosystem.

Mustapha said the state government also channelled special allocation for tourism and heritage projects to support the implementation of high-impact sports programmes and strengthen the continued development of sports tourism in Port Dickson as a key destination within the country and in Southeast Asia.

He said the state government also emphasised international marketing strategies, focusing on countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe and the Middle East, which have shown a keen interest in beach sports and adventure activities.

He said that to enhance the sports tourist's experience, Port Dickson also plans to introduce the concept of "after-sport wellness” through the provision of spa centres, physiotherapy treatments and healthcare programmes that emphasise a balance between sports activities and recreational activities.

-- BERNAMA