Bangkok: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Youth and Sports Development Action Committee chairman Datuk Mustapha Nagoor stated that throughout this year, various high-impact sports events have been held in the district, including international-level competitions and community programs. 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, positioning the district as 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 and 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. Mustapha was responding to Dr G. Rajasekaran's inquiry regarding the state government's efforts to enhance the potential of sports tourism in Port Dickson.
Mustapha noted the organization of the Port Dickson Amphibious Race, the Army Half Marathon, and the Port Dickson Surfcasting 2025, which have contributed to attracting sports tourists. The Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) has also carried out numerous strategic efforts to strengthen the sports tourism ecosystem.
The state government has channeled special allocation for tourism and heritage projects to support the implementation of high-impact sports programs. This aims to bolster the continued development of sports tourism in Port Dickson as a key destination within the country and Southeast Asia. Emphasizing international marketing strategies, the government is focusing on countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, and the Middle East, which have shown interest in beach sports and adventure activities.
To enhance the sports tourist's experience, Port Dickson plans to introduce the concept of "after-sport wellness" through the provision of spa centers, physiotherapy treatments, and healthcare programs that emphasize a balance between sports activities and recreational activities.