KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inclusive sports development through the organisation of the National Deaf Sports Awards (ASPN II 2025), following a recent evaluation committee meeting held in Bukit Jalil.
According to MSDeaf, the awards ceremony serves not only as a platform to recognise sporting excellence within the Deaf community, but also as a symbol of growing collaboration between Deaf sports organisations and mainstream sports institutions.
“The National Deaf Sports Awards reflects our collective effort to ensure that Deaf athletes, coaches, and sports leaders are recognised on an equal footing within the national sports ecosystem,” MSDeaf said in a statement.
“This collaboration with the National Sports Council and other stakeholders demonstrates that inclusive sports is no longer a parallel movement, but part of the national agenda.”
The second Evaluation Committee Meeting for ASPN II 2025 was held on 21 January 2026 at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil. The meeting focused on preliminary planning, confirmation of award categories, and the nomination selection process for the upcoming awards ceremony scheduled on 29 January 2026 at Dewan Casa 4, MSN Bukit Jalil.
Representatives from the National Sports Council (MSN) and the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) were also present, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach aimed at ensuring transparency, professionalism, and credibility in the evaluation process.
MSDeaf highlighted that such engagement is crucial in narrowing the gap between Deaf and mainstream sports, particularly in areas of governance, recognition, and public awareness.
“By working closely with national agencies and media professionals, we are building a more inclusive sporting environment where achievements by the Deaf community are valued, documented, and celebrated alongside mainstream sports,” the association added.
Beyond recognising individual and team achievements, ASPN II 2025 is expected to further strengthen networks between sports organisations, institutions, and the Deaf community, while promoting long-term sustainability in inclusive sports development.
MSDeaf expressed confidence that the upcoming ceremony will reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to inclusive sports and inspire greater participation and support for Deaf athletes nationwide. – January 22, 2026