KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — The 2022 Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma), which is scheduled to take place November 1-6 will be a platform for unearthing new talents to compete at the international level, says National Sports Council (NSC) deputy director general (sports development sector) Suhardi Alias.
He said it was important to find candidates who could continue the country’s challenge at the 2023 Asean Para Games in Cambodia, the 2022 Hangzhou Para Asian Games and the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
"InsyaAllah, with the solid support of all parties, we are confident that we can successfully organise this Para Sukma programme, which has 10 types of sports comprising 328 events," he told reporters after the launch of the ‘100 Days to Para Sukma’ event here, last night.
He said a total of 1,200 athletes and 700 officials are expected to participate in the games for the disabled, but the actual number of athletes and events contested will only be determined after the closing date for registration on July 31.
Suhardi said that the age limit for participation in Para Sukma this time was set between 14 and 45 years, a flexible gap aimed at identifying more athletes, including those from rural areas.
Earlier, two athletic champions who had won gold medals at the World Championships and the Paralympics - Datuk Abdul Latif Romly and Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi - launched the 100 Days to Para Sukma’ event with thunderous cheers from about 100 para athletes.
— Bernama
