Immediate Review Needed On Age Eligibility Limits & Participation Quotas Policies Affecting Para SUKMA 2026
KUCHING: Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has called for an immediate review of the newly introduced age eligibility limits and participation quota policies which affect the 22nd Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026.
The Minister highlighted that policy changes made during the Supreme Council for Para Sports Meeting on 29 January 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, involving age eligibility limits and participation quotas, were introduced at a critical stage of athlete preparation, with immediate and serious implications.
"The newly enforced age bracket of 12 to 40 years old effectively disqualifies many senior para-athletes all over Malaysian who are actively training, medically certified fit, performance-ready, and proven medal contributors at previous Para SUKMA and international-level competitions.
"This decision places these para athletes at a significant competitive disadvantage and risks the loss of realistic medal prospects, including gold medals, at Para SUKMA 2026. More critically, it undermines the principle that para sport should be inclusive, merit-based, and athlete-centred," she said.
She said this during a press conference at her ministry on Wednesday.
Dato Sri Fatimah said age alone is not an accurate indicator of performance in para sports.
"Their sudden exclusion not only disrupts team dynamics but also sends a damaging message to athletes who have committed years of effort, discipline, and personal sacrifice to represent their state.
"We respectfully but firmly assert that policy changes of this magnitude must not penalise athletes who are already deep into an approved training pathway. At minimum, transitional or exceptional considerations should be extended to athletes who have been preparing under previous eligibility assumptions.
"We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to immediately review the implementation of the age limit policy, consider granting further provisions for athletes already in long-term preparation, and ensure future policy decisions prioritise fairness, athlete welfare, and competitive integrity."
She highlighted that para athletes deserve clarity, respect, and protection from abrupt policy shifts that jeopardise both their careers and the credibility of para sport governance.
The development of para sports must remain grounded in equity, transparency, and respect for athlete contribution — not administrative convenience. - UKASnews
