PENAMPANG: After two years of Covid-19 physical restrictions, Hongkod Koisaan KDCA became alive again with the return of traditional sports to mark the state-level Kaamatan celebration.

       Monungkava kalabau (buffalo catching using rope), manandus (spear throwing), momolositik (slingshot), monopuk (blowpipe target), mipulos (arm wrestling) and migazat dukug (tug of war) were some of the main events during the launch of the traditional sports competition at the venue yesterday.

       Among those who shared the joy with the return of such festivities was Sinurambi Tambunan, a tug-of-war team from Tambunan.

       “It’s been three years; 2019 was the last time we participated in tug-of-war events.

       “We feel so grateful to be able to return and see friends from other teams we have not seen for so long,” said team coach Norbet Rianius.

       He shared that after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, they were unable to continue the sports and only did light training like jogging or go cycling to maintain their stamina.

       Kaamatan, the harvest festival for the Kadazandusun Murut community, is a month-long programme.

       It started from May 1 where each district in Sabah will hold its own celebrations, before the culmination at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA where the Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant) winner will be crowned.

       When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the state did not organise the usual celebrations.

       Last year, a hybrid event which took place online, plus physical event, was held instead.