Proving Stereotypes Wrong: Kelantan Siblings Carry Malaysia's Hopes In Futsal At SEA Deaf Games 2025

From Farah Najihah Zuraimi

JAKARTA, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Despite relying on a sign language interpreter, the spirit of Malaysia’s deaf athlete siblings, Mohammad Faza Firdaus Ghazali, 29, and his sister Nur Ain Shafira Ghazali, 24, shines brightly as they set out to prove that stereotypes will not hold them back at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Deaf Games 2025.

The Kelantan-born pair want every touch of the ball on the futsal court to serve as proof that hearing loss has never weakened their determination to bring glory to Malaysia on the podium of success.

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“This blood bond makes us truly enjoy playing futsal. My sister and I really hope to win gold in futsal one day. We want to uplift the image of Malaysia and the government.

“We want to show everyone that although we are deaf, we can compete just like anyone else,” said Mohammad Faza Firdaus when met by Bernama here today.

A full-time athlete, Mohammad Faza is thrilled to make his debut appearance, while also drawing strength from the experience of his sister, who won third place at the previous edition three years ago.

For him, talent alone is not enough without support, encouragement, and constant motivation from each other -- elements he considers the driving force behind success and the inspiration to keep striving for excellence on the international stage.

“I always watch her train. When she scores, I feel the excitement too. If she gets a goal, I’ll cheer, GOAL! That’s how it is. I always support my sister,” he said.

For Nur Ain Shafira, futsal is more than just a sport; it's a platform to showcase her talent, discipline, and determination, which have been nurtured since childhood.

Outside the futsal arena, she works while also playing with a social football club in Penang, comprising normal people, proving that hearing loss is no barrier to socialising, competing, and growing in a more challenging environment.

“I began taking part in futsal tournaments seriously at the age of 21. Much of my encouragement came from my father, who is also a social football player,” she said.

Malaysia has set a target of 16 gold medals at the Games—six in athletics, five in tenpin bowling, two in badminton, two in chess, and one in futsal.

The SEA Deaf Games 2025 officially kicks off tonight with the opening ceremony and will run until Aug 26 in Jakarta.

-- BERNAMA