KENINGAU: May 16, 2026 – The ten teams that emerged as champions at the Sabah and Labuan zone Vocational College Sports Championship (SUKOV) are set to compete at the national level, scheduled to take place in Kelantan from 10 to 15 August.
The tournament, which brought together athletes from nine vocational colleges in the Sabah and Labuan zone, featured keen competition across ten sporting events. It serves as a vital platform for identifying talent and nurturing promising athletes for higher-level competitions.
The chief of the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah party’s Liawan division, Datuk Azman Hj Ruslan, praised the achievements of vocational college students in the Sabah and Labuan zone, noting that they had often brought honour to the state through participation in various tournaments, including at the international level.
“These successes prove the ability of vocational education institutions to produce quality, competitive athletes with great potential,” he said when officially opening the Sabah and Labuan zone SUKOV at the Keningau Sports Complex.
According to him, SUKOV is not only a talent-spotting platform but also plays a crucial role in producing a generation of athletes capable of bringing honour to the state and nation in the future.
Meanwhile, the Director of KV Keningau and tournament organiser, Lumang anak Lang, described the hosting of the Sabah and Labuan zone SUKOV 2026 as a success, resulting from the high commitment of all involved parties.
He said the smooth running of the event and the sportsmanship displayed by the athletes proved KV Keningau’s ability to organise large-scale events to a high standard.
Vocational College (KV) Lahad Datu emerged as the overall champion after accumulating the highest points, also topping the athletics and football events.
As hosts, KV Keningau achieved a proud feat by winning the rugby, netball and badminton titles.
KV Tawau won the sepak takraw doubles category and women’s volleyball, while KV Beaufort won the sepak takraw team event. KV Kudat topped the men’s volleyball event, and KV Likas won the softball event.
In addition to the sports competitions, the annual KV Idol contest, a fringe event, added to the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere. KV Keningau won the solo category, while KV Kudat won the duet category.
