National powerlifting athletes training in Nakhon Ratchasima ahead of their competition in APG 2025. — Bernama
Malaysia is targeting a haul of 55 gold medals at the 13th Asean Para Games (APG 2025) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
APG 2025 is also viewed as a precursor to two major events later this year – the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in July and the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in October – which will serve as the true platform to assess the readiness of national athletes on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Performances in Nakhon Ratchasima will likewise provide an early gauge of Malaysia’s preparations ahead of hosting APG Malaysia 2027 in October next year, according to a Bernama report.
Chef de mission Mohd Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah previously expressed confidence that swimming and athletics would continue to be the country’s gold mines, while badminton and cycling were expected to strengthen the country’s medal chase.
Among athletes drawing attention is three-time Paralympic medallist Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, who will compete in the F20 shot put (intellectual impairment) and F20 javelin.
Paralympic 2016 gold medallist Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi will also take to the track with a mission to reach the podium in the 100m, 200m and 400m T38 (physical impairment) events.
The powerlifting arena is expected to steal the spotlight, with Bonnie Bunyau Gustin competing in the 80kg category and his brother, Bryan Junency Gustin, in the 88kg category.
Paralympic badminton champion in 2020 and 2024, Cheah Liek Hou, will spearhead Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) and men’s doubles SU5.
Muhammad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin is expected to make a strong impact in four cycling events – two track and two road events.
In swimming, Abd Halim Mohammad, who won five gold medals and one bronze at APG 2023, will compete in eight events.
APG 2025 is underway until Jan 26 with 536 competitions taking place in 19 sports.
