KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Malaysia will study Aichi-Nagoya 2026's approach to providing facilities for disabled persons as it prepares for the 14th ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur in October next year.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said Japan's practice of allowing the disabled community to test facilities before athletes use them is one measure that could help ensure the amenities meet users' needs.
The matter was discussed during a courtesy call on Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Ohmura and Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa at Nagoya Harbour Hall in Japan, in conjunction with the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games.
“This is an excellent approach because those who best understand the needs of disabled persons are the community themselves.
“We will study this approach for our ASEAN Para Games 2027 preparations so that the facilities provided are truly accessible and comfortable for both our athletes and those from other ASEAN countries,” he said in a Youth and Sports Ministry statement today.
Dr Taufiq added that the meeting also gave Malaysia the opportunity to learn from Aichi-Nagoya’s experience in hosting the Asian Games and Asian Para Games consecutively, especially in volunteer management, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of both events.
Malaysia will host the 34th SEA Games from September 18 to September 29, followed by the 14th ASEAN Para Games from October 17 to October 23 next year.
The national contingent participating in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games from October 18 to 24 comprises 68 athletes competing in 94 events across 10 sports.
National para-athlete Muhammad Nazmi Nasri, competing in the T37 long jump event, was honoured to carry the Jalur Gemilang at the Games' opening ceremony at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium today.
