KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) is eyeing the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) in Dubai as a springboard to unearth the next generation of national para-sport stars.
With hopes of discovering athletes who could one day follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, Ziyad Zolkefli, Datuk Abdul Latif Romly or Cheah Liek Hou, PCM is expected to send a contingent of 40 to 50 athletes – shortlisted from an initial pool of 150 – to the Games, which will be held from December 7 to 14 in the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking to Scoop, PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin said athletes who recently competed at the Para Sukma Games would be given priority during the selection process.
“We don’t want to send a contingent just to make up the numbers. This isn’t a holiday – it’s a national responsibility. Selection will be based on ability, current performance, and potential to deliver medals,” he said.
Megat added that Malaysia is aiming for a 50% improvement on its performance at the previous AYPG in Bahrain in 2021.
“Our targets must be realistic. Young athletes need clear goals. Without direction and achievements to aim for, there’s no motivation to work hard.
“We need new faces who can shine on the global stage, particularly with a long-term focus on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles and Brisbane 2032.”
Megat also expressed confidence that most of this year’s medal prospects would come from para-swimming and athletics.
“I’m not belittling any sport, but I believe swimming and athletics will yield more medals compared to others, simply because we already have a strong foundation in these sports.
“However, there is still ample time before the AYPG. We must ensure that all 24 para-sport associations work hard, identify talent, and provide us with their best athletes for the competition.
“The National Sports Council (NSC) has given us a deadline, and we must submit the final number of participating athletes by August or September this year, so they can prepare the necessary budget,” he said.
Malaysia will focus on 10 sports at this year’s Games: swimming, athletics, boccia, badminton, goalball, powerlifting, archery, taekwondo, table tennis, and wheelchair basketball.
At the 2021 AYPG in Bahrain, Malaysia placed 13th out of 25 countries, collecting three golds, four silvers and five bronzes. – May 3, 2025