Kelantan team manager calls on Paralympic Council Malaysia to resolve classification issues at Para Sukma XXI

KUCHING (Sept 27): The Paralympic Council Malaysia (MPM) must promptly address the classification issues involving several athletes at the 21st Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma XXI) to prevent this problem from persisting in future editions of the event.

This concern was raised by the Kelantan Para Athletics team manager Mahmood Drahman, who claimed that the situation has worsened during this Para Sukma, particularly with the participation of a non-eligible (NE) athlete.

“The situation has worsened here at the 21st Para Sukma in Sarawak due to the intervention of MPM. For instance, a notable case involves one athlete from Perlis and one from Johor, both of whom have been classified as NE.

“However, due to the absolute authority of MPM, led by Secretary-General Datuk R. Subramaniam, they were allowed to compete through a letter,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Stadium here today.

He also highlighted a significant issue involving an athlete from Sabah, who is quite capable, yet was classified as category 45, which is designated for athletes with upper limb deficiencies, impaired upper range of motion, or impaired upper muscle power, competing against individuals without arms.

“This athlete, who possesses strong and capable arms and can lift and wear shoes.

“Naturally, this athlete from Sabah won gold medals in all three events he participated in, even breaking records while competing against those who are less able than him,” Mahmood said.

He said he raised this issue not only for his state but for the sake of all para-athletes competing.

He pointed out that he does not blame the athletes, but holds MPM accountable, urging Subramaniam to resolve this matter by retracting the medals and awarding them to the rightful athletes.

“If this issue is not resolved, my concern is that it will recur at the Para Sukma in Selangor 2026 and Kelantan in 2028.

“The para-athlete classifiers are fair, but the incorrect decisions are being made by MPM,” he said.