Defending overall champions Sabah once again proved their dominance in the national Deaf sports scene, emerging as the overall winner of the 22nd Malaysia Deaf Games (SOPMA XXII) which drew its curtain today in Kuching, Sarawak.
Sabah athletes put up an outstanding performance throughout the four-day competition, finishing atop the medal standings with 17 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze medals, largely driven by their supremacy in athletics and badminton.
Host Sarawak finished second overall with 9 gold, 4 silver, and 7 bronze medals, while former champions Federal Territory took third place with 7 gold, 6 silver, and 10 bronze.
The final day of competition saw 11 gold medals contested across tenpin bowling, badminton, and futsal. Sarawak dominated the bowling lanes, bagging three of the five gold medals through strong performances by Sia Chew Ing, who won both the Womenâs All-Events and Masters titles, while the state also triumphed in the Womenâs Team event.
In futsal, Kelantan edged Pahang 4â3 on penalties after a 2â2 draw to clinch the menâs gold, while Sabah overcame Penang 3â1 on penalties in the womenâs final, securing a dramatic double triumph for East Malaysia.
Sabah continued their golden run in badminton, sweeping three of the five finals â including the Womenâs Singles (Trisya Rafael), Menâs Doubles (Hairul Hakimi and Hazmi Azis), and Mixed Doubles (Hairul Hakimi and Trisya Rafael). Sarawakâs Syafiq Phua delighted home fans by winning the Menâs Singles, while Penangâs Dymphna Simon and Teoh Chia Ling took gold in the Womenâs Doubles.
The Games concluded with a colourful Closing Ceremony officiated by YB Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, at Imperial Hotel, Kuching.
Dato Sri Fatimah praised SOPMA XXII as a resounding success, highlighting Sarawakâs commitment to inclusivity and unity through sports.
âThe hosting of SOPMA XXII is not just a sporting event but a manifestation of our shared commitment to inclusivity, togetherness, and national unity,â she said.
In a landmark announcement, Dato Sri Fatimah, on behalf of the Sarawak State government, revealed cash incentives for medal winners â RM5,000 for gold, RM2,000 for silver, and RM1,000 for bronze, underscoring Sarawakâs inclusive spirit.
Bringing together over 800 athletes, officials, and volunteers from across Malaysia, SOPMA XXII Sarawak 2025 featured five core sports â athletics, badminton, futsal, tenpin bowling, and orienteering â and celebrated the resilience, skill, and unity of Malaysiaâs Deaf sporting community.
