Para-athletes shine at goalball meet


Men’s category champion KL City Boys with MBPJ and GAM representatives.

IT WAS heartening to see the determination and spirit displayed by visually impaired athletes while playing goalball.

And unlike other sports, they played in silence during the ninth edition of the Piala Datuk Bandar national goalball championship.

Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for athletes with vision impairment.

Participants compete in teams of three, and try to throw a ball that has bells embedded in it into the opponents’ goal.

The ball is thrown by hand and never kicked.

This year’s competition took place at the Bandar Utama Community Centre, Petaling Jaya, and was organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Malaysia Blind Sports Association (MBSA) and Goalball Association of Malaysia (GAM).

KL City Boys players in action in the final.
KL City Boys players in action in the final.

This edition of the competition saw nine men’s teams and three women’s teams competing.

The participants were aged 16 and above.

KL City Boys emerged as the champion in the Men’s category after a dominating performance and took home RM2, 000 along with trophies and medals.

Their opponents in the final, Rangers were the runners-up while Young Tiger and Firewall finished third and fourth, respectively.

The Women’s category saw Future Champ edge past Young Tigress and Gurney Training Centre to be crowned champions, taking home RM1, 000 as well as trophies and medals.

MBPJ Zone 2 councillor Chan Pak Keung said the competition was a good platform for goalball players to showcase their talents.

“Through this competition, we can identify new players and help them progress in the sport.

“These disabled athletes deserve the opportunity to display their talents just like anyone else.

“MBPJ will try our best to attract participation from more teams, including other countries, to make this competition more lively, ” he added.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Metro News

Crisp, tangy irresistible acar hu
Legends, leaders turn up for KL World Cup screening party
Guideline on vet fees will help rescuers
MPS urges better inter-agency complaint coordination
City Hall cracks down on photo touts in vicinity of KLCC
Kelulut care goes beyond honey harvests
French classics reimagined with local flavour
MPAJ community hall to serve dual purpose
Added boost for packaging sector
RM175,000 grants for BU grassroots initiatives

Others Also Read