Funding Woes Threaten Kelantan Participation In Malaysian Deaf Games

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The Kelantan Deaf Sports Association (Kelsdeaf) has expressed disappointment as its contingent is still facing funding constraints to participate in the Malaysian Deaf Games (Sopma) 2025 scheduled to be held in Kuching, Sarawak, from Oct 1-7.
Its president, Saiful Helmie Dzamani, said that the contingent had so far only managed to raise about RM34,000, far lower than the required target of RM60,000, especially to cover the rising cost of air tickets.
“If no additional funds are obtained by Sept 20, with great reluctance, we may have to withdraw from Sopma.
“Even more regrettably, there is a possibility that our athletes will migrate to join other states that are more supportive,” he said at a press conference in Kota Bharu yesterday.
Saiful said the delay in obtaining the funds was due to the lack of confidence of certain parties in the abilities of deaf athletes and the lack of solid support from state government agencies, including the Youth and Sports Department and the Kelantan State Sports Council.
Bernama reported earlier this month that a Kelsdeaf fund-raising appeal was made to Kelantan government agencies, corporate bodies, and the local community to help meet its targeted Sopma fund of RM100,000 for its 40-strong contingent to fly to Sarawak.
“Other contingents are given complete equipment such as clothing, equipment, accommodation and transportation, but deaf athletes seem to be marginalised and this creates a sense of discrimination because they are also fighting for the Kelantan flag,” Saiful said.
Capable athletes
Despite facing various challenges, Saiful stressed that Kelantan’s deaf athletes had proven their capabilities at the national level.
This includes winning the men’s futsal championship at the Malaysian Deaf Futsal Championship in Selangor, third place in the men’s doubles and team categories in the Tenpin Bowling Championship in Kuala Lumpur, and runner-up in the men’s doubles and third place in the men’s singles at the Badminton Championship in Perlis.
“These successes have proven that Kelantan’s deaf athletes are capable of competing on par, but with very limited funds, it is truly worrying and very sad if we have to withdraw,” he said.
Saiful also appealed again to the state government, elected representatives, and the private sector to come forward to help ensure that Kelantan athletes could fly to Kuching to bring glory to the state.
“I hope the issue of the welfare of deaf athletes can be highlighted in the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly and that amendments to the Sports Development Act for the deaf be considered so that their rights and welfare are guaranteed on par with Sukma and Para-Sukma contingent athletes,” he added.
- Bernama

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