KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Paralympic Council is ready to collaborate with the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) in preparing deaf athletes to compete for medals in international sporting events.
Speaking to Scoop, the council’s president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman expressed awareness of the challenges faced by MSDeaf in securing government funding and recognition.
Megat affirmed the council’s willingness to assist the athletes and association in gaining recognition for their efforts.
“MSDeaf was previously affiliated with us, but they chose to operate independently. However, I’ve noticed their ongoing struggle to secure funding for their programmes over the years.
“At (the Paralympic Council), we have consistently supported them in organising several championships in the past, and we will continue to do so. The association boasts numerous potential athletes, and we’re always open to offering our facilities and support for their training to enhance their sporting abilities.
“We’re open to collaborations, as it would be beneficial for both our athletes and theirs to learn from one another through training and competition,” said Megat.
Megat also encouraged MSDeaf not to give up and to continue organising championships to earn more medals in the Deaflympics since its athletes cannot participate in the Paralympics.
“I firmly believe that MSDeaf should persist with their initiatives. They have performed admirably, and I was particularly impressed with the recent World Deaf Football Championships they organised.
“Incorporating them into the Paralympics is challenging due to differences in technicalities compared to the rules and regulations established by the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee.
“However, I believe they should persevere and perhaps develop a comprehensive framework and proposal to persuade the government to grant them recognition. (The council) will continue to support them in all circumstances,” Megat added.
Malaysia has achieved a total of 18 medals in the Deaflympics, including three gold, 11 silver, and four bronze medals, since their participation in the 1993 Summer Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria.
MSDeaf has also sent athletes to participate in various international sports tournaments, with a focus on sports such as badminton, bowling, athletics, karate, football and futsal.
In the 2021 Summer Deaflympics held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, women’s doubles Boon Wei Ying and Foo Zu Tung secured a gold medal in badminton for Malaysia, ending the nation’s 21-year gold drought at the Games. – October 21, 2023