KUCHING: Sarawak has called for an immediate review of the newly introduced age eligibility limits and participation quota policies which affect the 22nd Para SUKMA Selangor 2026.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the policy changes – approved during the Supreme Council for Para Sports Meeting on Jan 29 in Kuala Lumpur – were introduced at a critical stage of athlete preparation and carry serious implications for competitors.
“We respectfully but firmly urge the relevant authorities to immediately review the implementation of the age limit policy and consider transitional provisions for athletes who have already committed to long-term preparation under earlier eligibility frameworks,” she said.
She made the call during a press conference after a meeting on amendments to the Para SUKMA’s general sports regulations here today.
Fatimah noted that many para-athletes have been undergoing structured, high-performance training since November 2024 in preparation for the Games scheduled from Sept 5 to 10 this year, based on previously accepted eligibility rules.
She said the newly enforced age bracket of 12 to 40 effectively disqualifies many senior para-athletes nationwide who remain medically fit, performance-ready and have proven track records as medal contributors at both national and international competitions.
“Age alone is not an accurate indicator of performance in para sports. Senior para-athletes bring competitive stability, tactical experience, leadership and mentorship that are vital to team dynamics,” she said, adding that their sudden exclusion risks undermining inclusivity and athlete-centred values in para sports.
She also said that she was disappointed by claims that the state had supported the proposed general age limit changes during the Supreme Council for Para SUKMA 2026 meeting.
Describing the issue as a misunderstanding by certain parties, Fatimah at the same time pointed out that the amendments to the general regulations were still at their infancy.
As such, there remains an opportunity to submit a formal appeal to the main organising committee and she hopes it will receive due consideration.
“Our side does not support the new age limit changes proposed by the main committee recently. We have submitted an appeal letter together with several reasons explaining why we want the previous age limit (14-45 years old) to be maintained,” she said.
While acknowledging that Para SUKMA serves as a development platform for emerging talent, Fatimah emphasised that many persons with disabilities enter competitive sports later in life and often sustain longer athletic careers compared to able-bodied athletes.
“Para-athletes are often late bloomers who require more time and opportunity to reach elite levels. We must ensure policies remain fair, inclusive and grounded in equity, transparency and respect for athlete contribution – not administrative convenience,” she said.
She urged sports authorities to prioritise fairness, athlete welfare and competitive integrity in all future policy decisions to safeguard the continued growth and credibility of para sports in the country.
