By Zaki
IPOH – Malaysia’s Para Hockey ID (Intellectual Disability) team is ready to carry the national challenge at the FIH Para Hockey ID World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 20 to 25.
A total of 10 players have been selected to represent Malaysia based on their performance, commitment, discipline and eligibility.
The national squad comprises six players from Perak, three from Pahang and one from Johor, with the majority of the players being young athletes aged between 14 and 20.
The team is under the guidance of Special Olympics Malaysia, in collaboration with Special Olympics Perak.
The squad is led by head coach Jegatheesan Selvaratnam, assisted by coaches Shanmuga Nathan and Lim Ee Mun.
Deputy Head of Delegation Shanker Retinam said the player selection process began in December 2025, followed by monthly centralised training sessions in Ipoh as preparation for the world championship.
He said the inaugural tournament will bring together 16 of the world’s best teams in the Para Hockey Intellectual Disability category.
“Malaysia has been drawn in Pool B alongside the Netherlands, Argentina, England, Spain, India, Chile and Bulgaria.
“The national squad is scheduled to depart for Europe on August 17 before beginning its campaign against Bulgaria in the Netherlands.
“Participation in the inaugural edition of the tournament marks a historic milestone in the development of Para Hockey ID in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
The participation also reflects Malaysia’s commitment to empowering athletes with disabilities and providing them with opportunities to compete on the international stage.
With the cooperation of Raja Ashman Shah AHF-MHC Hockey Academy, a flag-handover ceremony will be held at the Royal Perak Golf Club and officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Shanker said the entire team would carry a great responsibility to make Malaysia proud and turn the participation into a symbol of courage, determination and the spirit of “One Team, One Hope, One Jalur Gemilang.”
