PUTRAJAYA: A landmark RM3 million government grant is being hailed as a game-changer for Malaysian deaf sports, powering the national squad’s preparations and enabling athletes to train full-time ahead of the SEA Deaf Games in Jakarta (Aug 20-26) and Deaflympics in Tokyo (Nov 15-26).
Malaysia will field 53 athletes in six sports at the SEA Deaf Games – futsal, athletics, badminton, tenpin bowling, chess and table tennis – with a target of 16 gold medals, one better than their tally at the 2022 Kuala Lumpur edition.
The financial boost, channelled by the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has allowed the national deaf contingent to focus solely on their sporting careers. It covers full-time allowances and socio-economic support, transforming their training regime and ambitions.
“This has allowed us to implement a full-time training programme,” said Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDEAF) president Ong Shin Ruenn after a flag-handing ceremony today.
“Our athletes can focus on training full-time and don’t have to balance working and training. This RM3 million fund has motivated many of them to aim for medals.”
The injection of funds is seen as an investment not only for the Jakarta campaign but also in the larger pursuit of Deaflympics success in Tokyo.
“The allocation is being used to focus on preparation, training and competition for the Deaflympics in Japan,” Shin Ruenn added, describing the SEA Deaf Games as a stepping stone towards that long-term goal.
The move marks a strategic shift from short-term training camps to a sustainable, high-performance programme.
Shin Ruenn expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as a turning point for a community that has often been overlooked. But he also stressed the importance of continuity.
“For the future, we hope the government will maintain the same allocation as it is very important for the athletes,” he said.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who officiated the ceremony, said the government’s backing was part of a wider push for inclusivity in sports.
“We want these athletes to feel they are equally representing Malaysia. With this support, they must now focus fully on their preparations and deliver their best,” she said.
She also stressed the need for longer-term funding commitments.
“Twelve months of preparation is not enough. Coaches and athletes need at least two years to plan and train effectively,” she said, adding that her ministry was in talks with the Finance Ministry to secure more sustainable allocations.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
