NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) has provided assurances that the 2027 ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia will be conducted according to the highest international standards, specifically in the classification of athletes, technical compliance and the level of professionalism.
Its president, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said the council is determined to ensure full transparency and fairness in line with the procedures of the International Paralympic Committee and international federations of each sport contested at the Games.
“Insya-Allah, the issues here will not occur in Kuala Lumpur. We see the situation where athletes from different classes are combined, athletes with hands and those without, there are many loopholes and unfairness,” he said at a media conference here today.
He insisted that the council will also ensure all appointed technical officials and referees comply fully with international standards and will study proposals on making several sports sanctioned sports to raise the credibility and control of the Games.
He voiced his disappointment over the classification issue and stressed that the council did not want special treatment, but sought only professionalism and fairness.
“Malaysia will act fairly (in the 2027 APG) not only to our athletes, but to all ASEAN countries. Sports must be played on a level playing field,” he said.
Megat D Shahriman said the council, together with the National Sports Council and national associations are planning several international training programmes including the possibility of training in South Korea.
Meanwhile Chef de Mission Mohd Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah said Malaysia’s overall achievement in the 2025 APG was the result of planned management of the contingent and wholehearted support from all stakeholders.
“We don’t wait till the athlete is injured and then treat them. Prevention is taken early on. Even there were several health cases, only two involving a swimmer and the manager of the cycling team, all were monitored closely,” he said.
Even though performance of athletes increased consistently with each competition day, he admitted that there were several missed gold medals as the margins were too small, and required in-depth study, in terms of the athletes’ performance and mental strength.
“The margin is too small, one second, one point, one attempt. This is what we need to address in terms of mental toughness,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
