More than 350 participants took part in a relay through Bandar Seri Begawan as the Baton continued its mission to connect communities across the Commonwealth. Organised by the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the relay celebrated sport, culture and environmental awareness in the heart of the capital.
The programme began at the open area of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex with a group photo and a warm-up session before the official send-off. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development and Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, received the Baton from Yang Mulia Haji Mohd Zamri bin Dato Paduka Haji Hamdani, Vice President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council. He then led the opening stage of the relay together with heads of Commonwealth missions in Brunei Darussalam.
The beautifully designed Baton featured artwork that reflected Brunei’s culture and heritage, including the national flower on one panel and the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge on another. The bridge links Brunei Muara and Temburong across the Brunei Bay and stands as one of the nation’s most significant infrastructure achievements, a symbol of unity and connection between communities. Participants recognised the imagery instantly and responded with pride. The artwork was created by local artist Yang Mulia Awang Abdul Ajihis bin Haji Terawih from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, ensuring that every Batonbearer carried a piece of Brunei’s story.
From Yayasan, the relay moved through the city towards the Clock Tower Monument on Jalan Sultan where the Baton was passed to the next group of Batonbearers. National athletes from wushu (a Chinese martial art), athletics, karate, taekwondo, swimming, lawn bowls, weightlifting, netball and para athletics took part, as well as individuals with special needs and members of the public. For many, the opportunity to hold the Baton was a moment of pride and connection to the wider Commonwealth sporting family.
The British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan joined the relay, with Deputy High Commissioner Ann Herrigan and Head of Economics and Trade Sabrina Shofry walking alongside participants. The High Commission described the event as a symbol of unity, friendship and shared values, and congratulated Brunei Darussalam for its commitment to youth, sport, culture and sustainability.
The Brunei Darussalam leg was followed by a Plastic Clean Up Day at Meragang Beach, where community volunteers and youth groups joined efforts to remove waste from the shoreline.
The initiative formed part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, run in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, supporting the shared commitment across the Commonwealth to reduce plastic pollution and protect marine environments.
The King’s Baton Relay now continues its global journey, carrying the spirit of Brunei Darussalam forward as the Commonwealth looks ahead to Glasgow 2026.
