Sporting heroes: Ong (centre, seated) and coach Caleb French (left, seated) posing for a photo with athletes taking part in the World Deaf Karate Championship, including Yilamaran (second from right, standing).
JOHOR BARU: It has taken decades for physically impaired athletes to gain recognition, with Paralympians getting the same rewards as able-bodied Olympians only since 2016.
However, deaf athletes are still being left behind and getting lower incentives, said the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf).
