KUCHING – Sarawak is taking centre stage in inclusive sport this year as it hosts the XXII Malaysian Deaf Games (SOPMA 2025) from 2 to 6 October, with venues across Kuching and Samarahan.
The event underlines the state’s push to integrate persons with hearing impairments into mainstream sporting opportunities, in line with national and international inclusion goals.
During the opening ceremony at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, stressed that SOPMA should be viewed not merely as a competition, but as an expression of equality, inclusivity and empowerment.
She linked these principles to Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which call for equitable development for all.
“Individuals with special needs, including those with hearing impairments, also have great interest and talent in sports,” she said.
“The policy of inclusion demands that we provide spaces and platforms for them to play sports, compete, and highlight their potential.”
She noted that Sarawak already has a track record of nurturing deaf athletes. Among them, three have been selected to represent Malaysia at the upcoming 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo this November, an achievement she highlighted as a source of pride for the state.
Inclusive policies in the state go beyond sport. Fatimah pointed to initiatives such as integrating sign language instruction in SeDidik preschools and hosting the Malaysia Deaf Summit as evidence of Sarawak playing a leadership role in promoting inclusion at both national and international levels.
This edition of SOPMA features five disciplines: athletics, badminton, futsal, tenpin bowling, and orienteering.
A total of 610 athletes, along with 167 officials and 100 volunteers, are participating, representing 14 contingents across the country.
Notably, the Sarawak contingent is aiming for eight gold medals, with a particular emphasis on tenpin bowling, athletics, orienteering and badminton.
The Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is expected to attend and has promised incentives for SOPMA champions, starting this year, to motivate athletes and reinforce the state’s inclusive sports agenda.
Also present at the opening were Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (Transport Minister), Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam (Deputy Minister for Community Wellbeing), Dr Ong Shin Ruenn (President of the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association), and other dignitaries.
As SOPMA XXII unfolds, Sarawak is positioning itself not just as host, but as a champion for inclusive sporting opportunity from grassroots to international stage.