KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) intends to eliminate the classification issue for athletes at the 2024 Malaysia Paralympic Games (Para Sukma) scheduled to take place from September 20 to 29 in Kuching, Sarawak.
PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin stated that it is aimed at avoiding problems with athletes who were unable to compete in the Games due to classification issues.
“We are aiming for a ‘zero classification’ policy in Kuching to ensure that no athletes are unable to compete in the Games. So we want all athletes to complete the classification process in their respective states in accordance with the procedures set by each state’s classification head.
“We do not want to waste time and money, and we want to ensure that only qualified athletes attend (Para Sukma 2024),” he said after officiating the PCM National Classification Course’s closing ceremony at the Grand Barakah Hotel today.
He added that the classification process could elevate Para Sukma to the level of international sporting events, where no classification is performed during the event.
Meanwhile, 139 people from all states participated in the three-day PCM National Classification Course, which began on Friday.
PCM secretary-general Datuk R. Subramaniam said that the course was held to train participants in the classification process so that it could be carried out in their respective states before Para Sukma 2024.
“We want to have trained classifiers in each state. So the respective state Youth and Sports Department can ask for their help in facilitating the classification process, as the Youth and Sports Department is responsible for preparing their respective contingents for Sarawak later,” he said.
Subramaniam, who is also the chairman of the Para Sukma classification committee, added that the classification process could help to achieve a 100% participation rate at the Games.
Meanwhile, the National Youth and Sports Department’s Sports Development Division deputy director-general, Abd Aziz Abd Rahman, stated that it is not a problem for an athlete to represent a state other than their birthplace as long as the classification process is completed.
“If he or she wants to represent another state, that is fine; the important thing is that the classification is done to reduce the risk of mistakes. If the athletes have completed the classification at the state level, those who come to Sarawak will undoubtedly compete (in the Para Sukma Games),” he said. – April 21, 2024