The regional championships saw participation from 14 countries, comprising 40 teams with about 850 players.
National squad clinch six medals at regional championships
THE national dodgeball squad were big winners at the Asian Dodgeball Championships 2025.
Malaysia clinched three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal from the six categories contested across two divisions – foam and fabric.
Malaysian Association of Dodgeball (MAD) president Datuk V. Radhakrishnan said the country was a powerhouse in the sport and that the nation should use this to its advantage.
With Malaysia hosting the SEA Games in 2027, Radhakrishnan said he would be speaking to the Olympic Council of Malaysia to include dodgeball, at least as a demonstration sport.
Radhakrishnan, who is also Asia Dodgeball Federation president and World Dodgeball Federation vice-president, said the sport was gaining popularity worldwide and standards were improving.
“This championship saw participation from 14 countries, comprising 40 teams with about 850 players, which is a good turnout.
“The last edition in Singapore two years ago, only had seven countries participating.
A group shot of teams at the Asian Dodgeball Championships 2025 at Kombes in Shah Alam, Selangor. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
“Countries such as Japan and Saudi Arabia were struggling then but going home with medals now.
“This shows that the teams are getting stronger,” he added at the closing ceremony which was held at the Youth and Sports Complex (Kombes) in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Radhakrishnan said the national squad was looking forward to the Dodgeball World Championship to be held in Malaysia next year.
“We are expecting about 80 countries, comprising around 150 teams and some 1,000 participants,” he said.
He added that MAD was actively promoting dodgeball in schools to scout for talent.
It has reached 320 primary and 330 secondary schools with the support of the Education Ministry and Youth and Sports Ministry.
Three Malaysians were named “Most Valuable Player” – Yee Jia Lun, 29, Seow Pei Shuang, 28, and Nicholas Tan, 23.
Yee said this was the first time he had received such recognition since starting to play dodgeball in 2017.
“I feel very honoured and believe my training over the years is being recognised.
“The recognition should also go to my teammates, coaches and everyone who pushed me this far,” he said.
Seow said she too was humbled by the award.
“Many others have shown good work and deserve acknowledgement.
“This is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the support, teamwork and dedication shared by everyone.”
Tan said he was likewise honoured to be included in the list of Most Valuable Players.
“I owe this recognition to my teammates. My win also means my teammates performed well.”
Also present was National Sports Institute chief executive officer Dr Vellapandian Ponnusamy.
