All SOPMA 2025 Medallists Receive Cash Reward From Sarawak Govt

KUCHING, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- All medal winners for the 51 events contested in the 22nd Malaysian Deaf Sports Games (SOPMA XXII) 2025 received financial incentives from the Sarawak government as a token of appreciation for their success and fighting spirit.

Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said all the gold medallists received RM5,000, silver medallists RM2,000 and bronze medallists RM1,000.

She said the initiative marks a historic moment of SOPMA and reflected the Sarawak government's commitment in fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and national unity through sports.

“It reflects the top recognition from Abang Jo (Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) who believes that sports can unite people across regional borders and even across the South China Sea,” she said when speaking at the closing ceremony of SOPMA XXII here today.

Fatimah said SOPMA is not just a competition arena, but also a symbol of unity and inclusive spirit of the deaf community throughout the country, as well as a platform to empower them to continue to excel at the state, national and international levels.

“Through sports, we prove that communication is not a barrier to excellence. SOPMA is a platform to recognise the extraordinary capabilities and talents of deaf athletes who are an inspiration to all Malaysians," she said.

At this year's Games, the Sabah contingent emerged as overall champion with 17 gold medals, 13 silver and eight bronze medals, followed by Sarawak in second place and the Federal Territories in third place.

A total of 14 contingents from across the country participated in five sports (athletics, badminton, futsal, tenpin bowling and orienteering) at the Games held here since Oct 1.

-- BERNAMA