- Competition spotlighted over 60 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from 10 countries across Asia Pacific
- Special Olympics Badminton Impact Report 2020 – 2024 was launched by Special Olympics and Badminton World Federation at celebration event
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition recently wrapped up, with 80 badminton players, including 63 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 17 unified partners (people without disabilities who play side by side with athletes with ID). Participants represented 10 countries across the region: Bangladesh, Bharat (India), Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Pilipinas, Singapore, Thailand, and host country, Malaysia.
The four-day competition took place between 17 to 20 September 2025 at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Importantly, the regional competition, alongside other year-round Special Olympics initiatives, expanded inclusive sports and competition opportunities for people with IDD in Asia Pacific, who routinely face pervasive stigmatization, social exclusion, and bias. The athletes at the competition have undergone extensive training and preparation to demonstrate their resilience, talent, courage, and sportsmanship on an international stage.
The opening ceremony kicked off at the stadium, with a delegation march-in from the 10 country programs as well as speeches from Pn. Siti Mariam binti Ahmad Tobias, Director, Sports Development for Persons with Disabilities Branch, National Youth and Sports Department; Bong Koi Sin, President of Special Olympics Malaysia and Dipak Natali, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific.
Unveiling Badminton’s Impact
During the competition, the Special Olympics Badminton Impact Report 2020 – 2024 was launched at a celebration ceremony on 19 September with Special Olympics International (SOI) and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) representatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to the continued growth and development of inclusive sports.
The report delved into the global growth of badminton amongst athletes with IDD, the increased involvement of coaches, unified partners and the transformative impact of the sport on actual lives.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), said: “BWF’s vision is to give every child a chance to play badminton for life. Special Olympics’ efforts to expand badminton opportunities for people with cognitive challenges align perfectly with our goals. Playing badminton not only brings joy but also provides important health benefits for special children, which in turn contributes to enhancing their overall quality of life.
“Competitions such as the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition, can create a profound impact on participants, their families, communities, and society as a whole. We very much look forward to supporting the event and I extend my warm compliments to Special Olympics and all the athletes, officials and volunteers involved,” she added.
Dipak Natali, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific, is grateful for ongoing partnerships with BWF, Badminton Asia and Badminton Oceania. He noted, “Our shared commitment in improving the lives of people with IDD through sport and competition, continues to grow momentum and this competition is a powerful reflection of that. True inclusion is achieved when every person, regardless of ability, is given the chance to discover their strengths, pursue their ambitions, and be celebrated for their unique contributions. I’m excited to witness our athletes and unified partners doing just that over the next few days.”
Badminton: A Platform for Inclusion
Badminton holds a special place in the hearts of many across Asia Pacific. From grassroots enthusiasts to world-class players, the popular sport fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, and is the most popular racquet sport for Special Olympics in the region. Notably, Special Olympics Asia Pacific has seen steady growth in the take-up of the sport over the past three years, with at least 16 country programs now offering training opportunities for people with IDD.
For Ibni Amin, a Special Olympics Pakistan athlete, the impact of the sport goes beyond a singular competition. “Events like this matter because they give every athlete the chance to participate and show the world what they enjoy and are good at. Inclusive events spread awareness, build respect, and prove how sport has the power to unite people of all abilities to play together,” he said.
Likewise, Aqilah Qistina Binti Addei, a Special Olympics Malaysia unified partner, noted that inclusive sports competitions are critical because “they provide equal opportunities, strengthens relationships, and builds the self-confidence of athletes with IDD.”
Bong Koi Sin, President of Special Olympics Malaysia, observed that sport provide people with IDD more than mere physical exercise. “Sport fosters personal growth, builds confidence, and strengthens social bonds that empower athletes beyond the playing field. The dedication, resilience, and joy these athletes demonstrate inspire all of us to champion a more inclusive society where everyone’s potential is valued and celebrated,” he said.
The competition featured Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles, along with Unified Doubles, a unique category where athletes with and without ID compete side by side, underscoring true inclusion, teamwork and unity through sport. Events were contested across two age categories 16 to 21 years old and 22 to 33 years old.
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition was made possible, thanks to the robust support of multiple partners. This included Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia, Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM), FWD Takaful Berhad, FLEXpro (Guangzhou) Sports Technology Co Ltd, Spritzer Berhad, Baker Hughes (M) Sdn Bhd, Swift Support Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, SD Guthrie Berhad, Momentum Strike Sdn Bhd, Lions Club International Foundation and UPS.
Amidst the competition backdrop, the Healthy Athletes Program, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, offered athletes with IDD complimentary health screenings, education and vital services, across five health disciplines. These include FUNfitness (physiotherapy/ occupational therapy), Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® (optometrics), Special Smiles (dental), Strong Minds (mental health) and Health Promotion (general health).
