SHAH ALAM, Sep 7 — Armed with nearly eight months of preparation, Selangor’s para badminton squad heads into the 2026 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) confident of mounting a strong medal challenge.
Coach Anafee Abdullah said consistent training and support from the Selangor State Sports Council (MSN Selangor) had helped raise the performance levels of the 13 athletes representing the state at this year’s Games.
“We are targeting two gold medals, but if everyone is fired up and things go our way, we could perhaps win four or five.
“Among the events with medal potential are the SL4 and SL5 categories in both singles and doubles,” he told Media Selangor when met at the Shah Alam Youth and Sports Complex yesterday.
Anafee said coaching para athletes required a different approach, with training programmes tailored to each player’s abilities and physical condition.
“We cannot put them through training that is as strenuous as that of able-bodied athletes. We have to consider their individual capabilities and gradually build up their fitness.
“Players must also be able to adapt to court conditions, including the direction of the wind. They need to know how to use those conditions to their advantage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Selangor para badminton player Yashaiful Yayah, 39, is determined to make amends after finishing fourth at the previous Para SUKMA in Sarawak.
The Klang native is aiming to at least secure a place on the podium this time and hopes to contribute three gold medals to Selangor’s tally.
“Our preparations started much earlier this time. After the Games in Sarawak ended, we continued training from 2025 through to this year.
“Last year, I lost in the semi-finals and finished fourth. So this time, I’m aiming for the podium and, if possible, three gold medals,” he said.
Yashaiful’s journey as a para badminton athlete began after he was involved in an accident in 2019, although his passion for the sport stretched back to well before the incident.
He said the support of his family and friends had given him the strength to continue pursuing the sport despite the profound changes in his life.
“Although my condition now does not allow me to play the way I used to, I remain determined to stay active and compete like other athletes.
“To people with disabilities who are interested in sport, don’t be embarrassed, afraid or hesitant. Keep your spirits up and take part in sporting activities.
“We all have our own limitations, so never feel inferior or give up,” he said.
