KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — Defending champions Malaysia will send the country’s second-largest contingent to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta, from August 20 to 26, with the mission of winning 16 gold medals and retaining the title they clinched in 2022 at the inaugural edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) president Ong Shin Ruenn said the target comprises six gold in athletics, five in tenpin bowling, two in badminton, two in chess, and one in the men’s futsal event.
“For the SEA Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta, we hope the government considers awarding cash incentives to players, similar to those given to able-bodied athletes, especially in conjunction with National Day, if our athletes bring home medals for Malaysia.
“Our athletes previously received rewards, such as at the Deaflympics, but the money was regarded as a token and not an incentive,” he said via interpreter after the press conference for the tournament here today.
Ong expressed hope that the deaf community in Malaysia would one day have a dedicated building equipped with centralised training facilities.
He believes such a facility would not only enhance athletes’ performance, but also serve as a symbol of ongoing support for the development of sports in the deaf community in Malaysia.
Eighty athletes will carry the nation’s challenge this time, only 20 fewer than the host Indonesia’s 100 athletes.
The Malaysian contingent comprises 27 officials and 53 athletes, who will compete in futsal, athletics, badminton, tenpin bowling, chess, and table tennis.
Meanwhile, MSDeaf vice-president Sarkunan Balakrisnan, as chef de mission, said it is a great honour to be entrusted with the responsibility.
He is confident the target can be achieved with the team’s high motivation, which will inspire more Malaysians to appreciate the capabilities of the deaf community.
“For me, the closest challenger will be the host, Indonesia. However, with all our preparations, we can certainly deliver,” he said.
Perlis-born athlete Zaiman Megat Abu has been chosen as flagbearer for the Games. He is a long jump and triple jump champion who previously won gold at the SEA Deaf Games 2022 in Kuala Lumpur.
