Malaysia to host badminton competition for people with disabilities

Badrul (left), with members of Special Olympics Malaysia Kuching, believes sports play a vital role in building confidence in individuals with different abilities. Photos: Special Olympics Malaysia

Next week, Kuala Lumpur will host the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition 2025. The regional event provides athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a platform to compete at their own level, showcase their talents and promote inclusivity in sports.

The competition runs from Sept 17-21 at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara in KL. Malaysia will welcome 80 participants – 63 athletes with IDD and 17 unified partners, or individuals without disabilities who play alongside them.

Mat Noor (left) has been a pillar of support throughout his son Muhammad Hafiyyan’s badminton journey.The participants come from 10 countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Representing the host nation are 12 athletes with IDD and four unified partners.

One excited participant is Muhammad Hafiyyan Mat Noor, 21. His father and coach, Mat Noor Ramli, 56, is thrilled with his selection.

“Muhammad Hafiyyan has been training hard. For months, he has jogged regularly and sparred twice a week, two hours each session. He will join his teammates for centralised training in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 13-16. We are so excited and hope for the best for the Malaysian contingent,” says Mat Noor during an interview recently.

The event is organised by Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM). Established in 1999, SOM is a non-profit organisation 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. It aims to celebrate abilities, break down barriers and create a more inclusive society.

Mat Noor has witnessed tremendous growth in Muhammad Hafiyyan since he began playing badminton at age 10. Over the years, Muhammad Hafiyyan has developed a fast-paced playing style that has even helped reduce the risk of seizures during prolonged matches.

“Thanks to badminton, Muhammad Hafiyyan is more confident. He enjoys meeting new friends, has become more social, and has improved greatly in his skills. Overall, he is optimistic about his future,” Mat Noor says.

Last year, Muhammad Hafiyyan clinched gold at the 2024 Special Olympics Malaysia Unified Badminton Championship in KL – his proudest milestone to date.

“I hope he emerges champion at the upcoming competition. My dream is for him to qualify for the World Games in Santiago, Chile in 2027. Beyond that, I want him to remain focused, disciplined and determined in life,” adds Mat Noor, a father of six.

He urges parents of children with IDD to be patient and supportive.

“Allowing children to explore sports helps them discover and develop their talents, while also bringing them joy and confidence.”

Badminton offers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience the joy of teamwork. Photo: 123rf

Bolstering inclusive sports

The tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles, along with unified doubles – a unique category where athletes with and without IDD compete side by side, underscoring true inclusion, teamwork and unity through sport.

The events are divided into two age categories: 16 to 21, and 22 to 33.

Special Olympics Malaysia (Kuching) badminton coach Badrul Hisham Majid, 48, will be travelling from Kuching, Sarawak with three athletes for the competition. He says such events give athletes with IDD a chance to showcase their talents, while raising Malaysia’s profile internationally.

“Sports give our athletes a sense of purpose. It is not just about learning how to play but about building discipline, focus and resilience. Sports can change lives. Athletes who want to succeed must first prioritise self-discipline, because it elevates them towards greater excellence,” says Badrul.

He also hopes broadcasters will air the competition on television. “Malaysians need greater awareness about the lives and achievements of orang kurang upaya (OKU) athletes, whether at school or the international level.”

Coaching athletes with IDD, he admits, comes with challenges.

“The key is constant motivation and perseverance. I instil discipline and introduce them to icons like Datuk Lee Chong Wei. His success came from hard work and listening to his coach, Datuk Misbun Sidek. My athletes may have limitations, but I remind them never to avoid competitions – they must work hard and push forward.”

Badrul says for many individuals with IDD, sports offer more than just physical activity; it opens doors to better health and well-being, fosters stronger social bonds and greater independence.

“Many of them come in unsure of themselves. Through training and teamwork, they begin to grow in confidence. They form friendships, develop routines and start to believe in their own potential not just as athletes but as individuals.”

SOM national director Connie Yee says the competition is a powerful platform for athletes with IDD to shine.

“Each athlete brings a story of courage, perseverance and potential. Hosting this event is a milestone in Malaysia’s inclusive sports movement. It not only showcases excellence, but also reinforces our regional commitment to inclusion, dignity and equal opportunity.

“Sports break barriers, build confidence and unite communities. This event, which puts the spotlight on people with IDD who are often overlooked, reflects that spirit.”

Yee invites the public to support the competition and broader inclusion efforts.

“This is especially important as people with IDD have limited chances to showcase their talents and rarely receive wider support. Together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. This is more than a competition.”

For details, visit www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org or call 012-394 3655.