The inclusive competition places the spotlight on 64 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from 10 countries across the region, including host country Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur, 4 Aug 2025 – Come September 2025, Malaysia will host the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Badminton Competition, for the first time.
This historic tournament, which celebrates people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will be held from 17 to 20 September 2025 at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara, bringing together badminton playersfrom across the region to cultivate respect, understanding, and social inclusion for people with IDD, through sport.
Host country Malaysia will welcome a total of 81 badminton players, including 64 athletes with IDD and 17 unified partners - people without disabilities who play sport alongside them. Participants hail from Special Olympics programs across 10 countries including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Representing the host nation are 12 Malaysian athletes with IDD and 4 unified partners, ready to take to the court in front of their home crowd.
Bolstering Inclusive Sports Opportunities in Asia Pacific
This competition is a powerful platform for athletes with IDD to shine, be seen, and celebrated. Each athlete brings with them a story of courage, perseverance, and potential, points out Connie Yee, National Director of Special Olympics Malaysia.
She said, “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. Sports can break down barriers, build confidence and unite communities. This event, which spotlights people with IDD, who are often disregarded and overlooked, is a true reflection of that spirit.”
The tournament will feature Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles, along with Unified Doubles — a unique category where athletes with and without IDD compete side by side, underscoring true 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.
For many individuals with intellectual disabilities, sport offers more than just physical activity. It opens doors to better health and well-being, fosters stronger social bonds and greater independence. Through such sports and competitions, athletes gain confidence, skills and the opportunity to shine.
Sport gives our athletes a sense of purpose. It is not just about learning how to play but about building discipline, focus and resilience,” said Badrul Hisham Bin Majid who coaches football and badminton for Special Olympics Kuching. “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.”
Among the Malaysian athletes competing is 21-year-old Muhammad Hafiyyan Bin Mat Noor from Putrajaya, who has developmental disabilities.His father who is also his coach, Mat Noor Bin Ramli shared, “Hafiyyan first discovered badminton at the age of 10 and started to grow in confidence with the support of the Special Olympics community. He has since developed a fast-paced playing style that has supported him in reducing the risk of having seizures during prolonged matches.”
After winning gold at the Special Olympics Malaysia Unified Badminton Championship in 2024, he now has his sights set on the upcoming regional competition.” Haffiyan chimed, “Being selected to represent Malaysiais a dream come true. 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 invites everyone to support this landmark event and the broader inclusion movement. This is particularly important given that people with IDD have limited opportunities to showcase their sporting talentsand rarely have access to wider public support.
“Together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive,” added Connie Yee. “This is more than a competition. It is a movement that represents hope, equity and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine.”
Organisations or sponsors interested in supporting the event or partnering with Special Olympics Malaysia can contact:
