Special Olympics Badminton Competition Asia Pacific Expands Inclusive Sports Landscape for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Region

• The competition showcased more than 60 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from 10 countries in the Asia-Pacific region
• Special Olympics Badminton Impact Report 2020 – 2024 was launched by Special Olympics and Badminton World Federation at a celebratory event

The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition recently concluded, with 80 badminton players, including 63 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 17 unified partners (people without disabilities playing side by side with athletes with ID). Participants represented 10 countries in the region: Bangladesh, India (India), Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailandand host country, Malaysia.

The four-day competition took place between September 17 and 20, 2025 at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Importantly, the regional competition, among other Special Olympics initiatives throughout the year, expanded inclusive sports and competition opportunities for people with IDD in Asia Pacific, who routinely face widespread stigmatization, social exclusion and prejudice. The athletes in the competition have undergone extensive training and preparation to demonstrate their resilience, talent, courage and sportsmanship on an international stage.

The opening ceremony started in the stadium, with a delegation from the ten countries programs and speeches from Mrs. Siti Mariam Binti Ahmad Tobias, Director, Department of Sports Development for Persons with Disabilities, National Department of Youth and Sports; Bong Koi Sin, President of Special Olympics Malaysia and Mr. Natali, Regional President and General Manager of Special Olympics Asia Pacific.

Revealing the impact of badminton

During the competition the Special Olympics Badminton Impact Report 2020 – 2024 was launched during a festive ceremony on September 19 with Special Olympics International (SOI) and the World Badminton 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 among athletes with IDD, the increased involvement of coaches, united partners and the transformative impact of sport on real life.

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), said: “BWF’s vision is to give every child the opportunity 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 helps improve their overall quality of life. to live.

“Competitions such as the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition can have 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 the Special Olympics and all the athletes, officials and volunteers involved,” she added.

Dipak Natali, regional president and general manager of Special Olympics Asia Pacificis grateful for the continued partnerships with BWF, Badminton Asia and Badminton Oceania. He commented: “Our shared commitment to improving the lives of people with IDD through sport and competition continues to gain momentum and this competition is a powerful reflection of that. True inclusivity is achieved when everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to discover their strengths, pursue their ambitions and be celebrated for their unique contributions. I am excited to see how our athletes and united partners will do exactly that in the coming days.”

Badminton: a platform for inclusion

Badminton holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Asia-Pacific region. From grassroots enthusiasts to world-class players, the popular sport fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, and is the most popular Special Olympics racquet sport in the region. Remarkably, Asia-Pacific Special Olympics has seen steady growth in the sport’s acceptance 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 athlete in Pakistanthe impact of the sport goes beyond a single competition. “Events like these are important because they give every athlete the opportunity to participate and show the world what they enjoy and what they 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 Olympic Partner for the Olympic Games in Malaysianoted that inclusive sports competitions are critical because “they provide equal opportunity, strengthen relationships, and increase the self-confidence of athletes with IDD.”

Bong Koi Sin, Chairman of Special Olympics Malaysianoted that sports offer people with IDD more than just exercise. “Sport promotes personal growth, builds confidence and strengthens the social bonds that empower athletes beyond the playing field. The dedication, resilience and joy these athletes demonstrate inspire us all to advocate for a more inclusive society where everyone’s potential is valued and celebrated,” he said.

The competition consisted of men’s and women’s singles and doubles, along with Unified Doubles, a unique category in which athletes with and without ID compete side by side, highlighting true inclusivity, teamwork and unity through sport. Events were contested in 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 strong support from multiple partners. This included Ministry of Youth and Sports 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.

Amid the competitive backdrop, the Healthy Athletes Program, powered by the Golisano Foundation, offered athletes with IDD free health screenings, education and essential services, across five health disciplines. These include FUNfitness (physiotherapy/occupational therapy), Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® Foundation (optometry), Special smiles (dentistry), Strong minds (mental health) and Health promotion (general health).