The young Malaysians who made World Cup history
A young Malaysian Para ID hockey team secured a bronze medal at the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands. The squad, composed of teenagers and young adults, achieved this historic milestone despite their lack of international experience.
Why it matters
This achievement highlights the growing potential for inclusive sports programs to provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities on the global stage.
Malaysia’s young Para ID hockey players celebrate with the Jalur Gemilang after beating Belgium 3-1, a breakthrough moment for a programme making its World Cup debut. (Ibrahim Azhar pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: The youngest was 14. The oldest was 20.
Nine of them are teenagers.
Together, they have put Malaysia on a World Cup podium.
Malaysia’s 10-player Para ID hockey team beat hosts Belgium 3-1 for the bronze medal at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, on Aug 24, securing a historic medal at the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup.
The tournament brought together 16 teams in a mixed-gender six-a-side competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
What makes Malaysia’s achievement particularly striking is the age and inexperience of the squad.
The youngest, Annur Qisya Haziqah and Nur Aireen Ufairah, are both 14, while captain Mohamad Safirul is only 20.
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