Asian Para Games: Taufiq backs 72-strong Malaysian squad to beat six-gold target in Aichi-Nagoya
Malaysia sends 72 para athletes in 10 sports to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games from 18-24 October, with a reported target of six golds, 10 silvers and 16 bronzes.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari says he is confident Malaysia's para athletes can meet and beat their target at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. Malaysia sends 72 athletes in 10 sports to Japan, and competition starts in nine days.
He spoke on Bernama Radio's Fokus 30 programme on Thursday 8 October. He said he hoped the para squad would take inspiration from the Asian Games team, which did better than expected in the same host region.
The target
Bernama reported the target as six gold, 10 silver and 16 bronze medals. It named athletics, badminton and boccia as the main sources of golds. The minister also mentioned targets yet to be announced, so the final official figures may still change slightly.
He said he had full confidence in the athletes, the coaches, the chef de mission and the support staff.
Riding the Asian Games wave
Malaysia's Asian Games team, also in Aichi-Nagoya, won nine gold medals. That beat the six-gold target and equalled the country's best Asian Games total, set at Guangzhou 2010. The golds came from track cycling, squash, sepak takraw, karate and esports.
The minister hopes the para team can match that result. Para sport has given Malaysia some of its biggest international moments in the past ten years, especially in athletics and badminton.
The Games at a glance
The fifth Asian Para Games run from 18 to 24 October 2026. The opening and closing ceremonies are at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. The programme has 18 sports and 508 medal events at venues around Aichi Prefecture. Para badminton is in Ichinomiya and swimming is at the Rainbow Pool. Track cycling is further away, at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Japan is one hour ahead of Malaysia, so most sessions take place during Malaysian daytime.
Final preparations in Kampung Pandan
The squad is doing its final training at the Malaysia Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. This week the athletes were visited by Allianz Malaysia chief executive Sean Wang and National Sports Council Para Division director Shukri Harun. Allianz is the main partner of the council's para programme. During the visit, athletes trained in badminton, powerlifting, swimming and boccia.
Para sport funding is also being discussed ahead of Budget 2027, which is tabled today, Friday 9 October. Dr Taufiq has said athlete welfare, both during and after athletes' careers, is one of his ministry's priorities.
Key takeaways
- Malaysia sends 72 para athletes in 10 sports to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, held from 18 to 24 October.
- Bernama reported a target of six golds, 10 silvers and 16 bronzes, led by athletics, badminton and boccia.
- Dr Taufiq Johari said he was confident the squad could meet and beat the target.
- The Asian Games team won nine golds in Aichi-Nagoya, beating its six-gold target.
FAQ
When are the 2026 Asian Para Games? From 18 to 24 October 2026 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. The opening ceremony is at Paloma Mizuho Stadium.
How many athletes is Malaysia sending? Malaysia is sending 72 para athletes in 10 sports.
Which sports are Malaysia's best gold medal chances? According to Bernama's report of the targets, athletics, badminton and boccia are expected to produce most of the golds.
Sources: Bernama, The Sun, Wikipedia (Asian Para Games 2026)