Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) is expected to field more backup athletes to carry the national challenge at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games (APG) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from January 20 to 26 next year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MPM president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin stated that the strategy is aimed at grooming future stars while simultaneously preparing athletes for the 2027 APG in Malaysia and the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28). He emphasized that preparations for the APG are already underway and that national para sports associations are in the process of identifying winning teams and athletes to be sent. The National Sports Council (NSC) supports this initiative, focusing on narrowing the performance gap with other countries and introducing new athletes.

Megat D Shahriman shared these remarks with reporters after the conclusion of Phase 2 of the National Para Sports Associations Empowerment Workshop, which was officiated by NSC Deputy Director-General (Management) Arrifin Mohd Ghani. Arrifin expressed confidence that the three-day workshop, which commenced last Friday, would play a crucial role in empowering and strengthening the governance of national para sports associations.

Arrifin highlighted that with improved governance, these associations could indirectly contribute to the development of capable athletes who can uphold the legacy of national para sports icons such as Datuk Abdul Latif Romly in athletics, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin in powerlifting, and Cheah Liek Hou in badminton.