Malaysia to host Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton in September

From left: Lee, Nur Syafiqah, Sun, Pua and Tan are looking forward to the upcoming games for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Photos: Raaginee Shalesh

Fresh off the heels of hosting the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is now preparing to welcome another meaningful event - one that celebrates the sporting talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

From Sept 16-21, the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition 2025 will take place, for the first time in Malaysia, at Dewan Sri Putra, Bukit Jalil, KL. The regional event provides athletes with intellectual disabilities a platform to compete at their own level, showcase their talents and promote true inclusivity in sports.

Organised by Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM), the competition will see the participation of over 100 athletes from countries that include Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Papua New Guinea. There will be 32 Malaysian participants in the event.

SOM, established in 1999, is a non-profit accredited by Special Olympics International - the world's largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Working with non-governmental organisations, schools and government agencies, SOM promotes inclusion through sports, health, education and community programmes. The aim is to celebrate abilities, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive society.

The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition provides a vital platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talents. Photo: 123rf

SOM president Bong Koi Sin, 57, says the competition highlights the importance of recognising the talents of individuals with different abilities.

"All this while, Malaysia has mostly played the role of a passenger at Asia Pacific-level competitions. When the opportunity came to host it, we grabbed it. We want to create greater awareness because athletes with intellectual disabilities are often overlooked.

"There is a lot of attention given to the Olympics and Paralympics, but hardly any to this group, who include individuals with Down syndrome, autism and slow learners. Individuals with different abilities are citizens too and deserve the chance to be seen and supported," says Bong after the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with badminton racket label FLEXpro in KL on May 21.

The company will support SOM athletes during the competition. Representing the sports brand was its director and executive vice president Sun Yan Hua.

Bong, who has been a volunteer with SOM for 27 years, explained that the MoU marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to provide athletes with intellectual disabilities the resources they need to succeed in their athletic pursuits.

"This collaboration represents a major step forward in empowering our athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level. We can provide them with the equipment and apparel that will not only enhance their performance but also boost their confidence on the field. We are deeply grateful for this generous contribution."

Bong emphasised that the competition welcomes all participants regardless of gender, age or ability level. One doesn't need to be an athlete with SOM to participate in the event.

Bong (left) and Sun during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony.

"We want to give everyone a fair shot - whether they are low-, medium- or high-functioning. As long as they are able to participate, we will provide the opportunity," says Bong, a lecturer with Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Perempuan Melayu in Durian Daun, Melaka.

SOM (Melaka) badminton coach Lee Zong Siang, 29, travelled from Bukit Berendam in Melaka for the MoU signing ceremony, accompanied by SOM (Melaka) deputy president and sports director Kristil Tan Ai Teng, along with their athletes Nur Syafiqah Mohamad Zanman, 22, and Pua Siew Shin, 21.

Lee says his athletes have been training since January, and are very enthusiastic about the international event.

"It is not just about winning. We want to give them a chance to build confidence, to see others like them, and enjoy the experience."

Lee believes that with time, patience and passion, athletes with intellectual disabilities can thrive in sports.

"You can train them - it just takes consistency. It’s not something that happens overnight. It takes months of effort. During each lesson, I have to repeat the same things, over and over again. It might seem tedious but I know they can improve, if given the chance."