BALINGIAN: The Balingian Petanque Arena was made the highlight on Sunday when the 2025 Bederun Balingian Petanque Championship successfully attracted a wide range of participation including international teams from Brunei and Thailand, as well as local teams from Mukah, Bintulu, Sibu, Miri and Sarikei.

The competition, organised by the Persatuan Generasi Balingian Melanau (PGMB) in collaboration with the Balingian Boules Club (KBB), lasted for two days starting on August 30, witnessing fierce competition between the competing teams.

The Vaie 3 Petanque Generation Team was crowned champion, while the runner-up was AlMuhajirin Boules Club, and joint third place was taken by Generasi Petanque Vaie 6 and MUDAK 2.

The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by Yang Dipertua PGMB and Co-Chairman of the 2025 Balingian Bederun Festival, Hafizzul Abdul Halim, witnessed by Pekan Balingian Penghulu, Harbi Bakir.

According to the organisers, this edition of the tournament is considered a great success not only in terms of the number of participants, but also in successfully positioning Balingian as a petanque destination with the potential to attract more international players in the future.

Apart from strengthening the relationship between the local community and the regional
community, this tournament also provides an opportunity for local players to gain valuable experience against foreign teams.

This tournament has established itself as one of the annual sports events that adds to the excitement of the 2025 Balingian Bederun Festival. -UKASnews