SEPANG, Oct 25 (Bernama) - Malaysia is ramping up its search for new talent as regional competition heats up, aiming to keep the national team performing strongly at future Asian Para Games.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol said efforts will be boosted to find new athletes through special education schools and the Para Sukma, ensuring a steady pipeline of backup athletes for the national squad.
"I believe what concerns us now is that the competition exists and is intensifying... that's why we encourage the search for new athletes.
"Challenges will always exist, but we remain prepared, including in terms of additional funding," he told reporters after welcoming home the national contingent returning from the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games at Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today.
Malaysia wrapped up its Asian Para Games campaign with six gold, eight silver and 13 bronze medals, finishing 12th in the overall standings.
The national team sent 68 athletes to compete in 94 events across 10 sports, marking Malaysia's smallest delegation to date.
China dominated the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, collecting 207 gold, 117 silver and 111 bronze medals, far ahead of host Japan (64 gold, 60 silver, 62 bronze) and Uzbekistan (45-49-51).
-- BERNAMA