In a momentous display of skill and determination, Malaysia made a remarkable debut at the first-ever SIBUR Cybathletics, held as part of the Games of The Future 2024 in Kazan, Russia, from 21 February to 3 March 2024. The Malaysian team, comprised of patients from Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), faced a range of physical challenges from lower limb amputation, upper limb amputation, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and spinal cord injury.
Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Mohd Mustafah, the Malaysian team, accompanied by four dedicated staff members from Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, proudly represented Malaysia on the international stage. Despite their status as newcomers to the competition, Malaysia’s team showcased exceptional skill and resilience, securing a commendable 8th place out of 10 participating teams, highlighting the potential of individuals with disabilities to excel in adaptive sports with the right support and technology.
The Cybathletics Games provide a vital platform for athletes with physical disabilities to compete across various disciplines, utilizing conventional to state-of-the-art assistive technologies. Malaysia’s participation underscores its commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowerment for persons with disabilities in the realm of competitive sports.
This historic achievement stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Malaysian team, setting a precedent for future participation and success in the emerging field of Cybathletics. Special thanks are extended to the Malaysian Association of Rehabilitation Physicians (MARP) for opening the door to this remarkable opportunity.
Heartfelt congratulations to the Malaysian team for their outstanding performance and for making a lasting impression on the global stage in this groundbreaking event.