KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – For the first time in its history, Malaysia will play host to the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Badminton Competition from September 17 to 20, 2025. The tournament, to be held at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara, is set to be a powerful platform for social inclusion and will place a spotlight on 64 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from 10 countries across the region.
The competition brings together badminton players from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and host nation Malaysia. A total of 81 badminton players will participate, including 64 athletes with IDD and 17 unified partners—people without disabilities who play sport alongside them. Representing the host nation are 12 Malaysian athletes with IDD and four unified partners.
A Milestone for Inclusive Sports
Connie Yee, National Director of Special Olympics Malaysia, highlighted the significance of the event. “Hosting this event is a significant milestone in progressing Malaysia’s inclusive sports movement. It not only showcases sporting excellence, but also reinforces our regional commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity.” She emphasized that the competition aims to celebrate people with IDD, who are often overlooked, and reinforce how sports can break down barriers and build confidence.
The tournament will feature Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles, along with the unique Unified Doubles category, where athletes with and without IDD compete side by side. This category underscores the event’s core message of inclusion, teamwork, and unity through sport. Events will be contested across two age categories: 16 to 21 years old and 22 to 33 years old.
Stories of Courage and Perseverance
For many individuals with IDD, sports offer more than just physical activity; they provide a sense of purpose, confidence, and independence. Badrul Hisham Bin Majid, a coach for Special Olympics Kuching, shared his experience: “Many of them come in unsure of themselves. Through training and teamwork, they begin to grow in confidence. They form friendships, develop routines and start to believe in their own potential not just as athletes but as individuals.”
The competition will be particularly special for the Malaysian team, which includes athletes like 21-year-old Muhammad Hafiyyan Bin Mat Noor from Putrajaya. Hafiyyan, who has developmental disabilities, first discovered badminton at age 10 and has since developed a fast-paced playing style. According to his father and coach, Mat Noor Bin Ramli, badminton has helped Hafiyyan grow in confidence and supported him in managing his health. After winning gold at the Special Olympics Malaysia Unified Badminton Championship in 2024, Hafiyyan is now focused on the regional stage. “Being selected to represent Malaysia is a dream come true,” he said. “Badminton has helped me grow stronger despite my challenges. I always remind myself not to give up. I want to keep improving and wear the national jersey with pride.”
Join the Movement
Special Olympics Malaysia is inviting the public to support this landmark event and the broader inclusion movement. This support is crucial, as people with IDD often have limited opportunities to showcase their talents and rarely receive widespread public backing. Connie Yee urged the community to join the movement, stating, “This is more than a competition. It is a movement that represents hope, equity and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine.”
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Organizations and sponsors interested in supporting the event or partnering with Special Olympics Malaysia can find more information on their official channels or email to secretariat@specialolympicsmalaysia.org or call 6012-394 3655.
