Sarawak minister honoured with National Deaf Sports 2025 Special Award

KUCHING (Jan 29): Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, has been honoured with the National Deaf Sports 2025 Special Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions and strong support for the development of deaf sports nationwide.

She received the award from Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufik Johari at the National Deaf Sports Awards 2025 (ASPN 2025) ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this special award. I regard it not as a personal achievement but as recognition of the collective efforts and resilience of the deaf sports community,” she said in a statement, adding that deaf athletes have consistently shown that physical limitations are not barriers to achieving success.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening inclusive sports development, noting that continued support and opportunities are essential to nurturing disciplined, competitive and world-class athletes among the deaf community.

The award also acknowledged Fatimah’s pivotal role in the successful hosting of the 22nd Malaysian Deaf Games (Sopma XXII) in Sarawak, which elevated the profile of deaf sports at both state and national levels through inclusive policies and strong leadership.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) president Dr Ong Shin Ruenn said the award reflected the community’s appreciation for Fatimah’s vision and dedication.

He added that the success of Sopma XXII was further bolstered by victory incentives announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, which have motivated deaf athletes to continue excelling on the national and international stage.

The award ceremony was attended by MSDeaf leaders, representatives of national sports bodies, national deaf athletes and invited guests.