KUCHING: A total of 24 athletes with disabilities (OKU) from Sarawak could be barred from competing in the 2026 Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) if the participation age limit is lowered from 45 to 40.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the proposed change contradicts the core principle of the games, which is to empower persons with disabilities through sports.
“In our eagerness to pursue excellence, we must not forget that the fundamental principle of these games is to empower the OKU community.
“Therefore, we should not impose an age limit as this would restrict opportunities and space for athletes to showcase their potential in a field they are passionate about,” she told the media after receiving a courtesy call from Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Malaysia Mordi Bimol at the Sarawak Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development here today.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Council of Para Sports had approved two amendments involving the participation age limit and athlete quota for Para Sukma during its meeting on Jan 29.
Fatimah stressed that Sarawak had never agreed to the new regulation limiting the age of participating para athletes in the games.
“We strongly object to any claim that Sarawak agreed to this matter. Whether inside or outside the meeting, Sarawak has never agreed to the new rule.”
Furthermore, she noted that disability sports at the international level do not impose age limits for participation in similar competitions.
“As such, there is no need for us to set an age limit. Athletes themselves know when it is time for them to stop.
“Let the athletes decide when to retire rather than placing restrictions on them.”
Fatimah also touched on the athlete quota policy, which requires at least four athletes from three states to participate before an event can be held.
“Previously, competitions could proceed with just four athletes from two states, which is also in line with international regulations.
“This move will limit opportunities and space for our athletes to compete.”
