Around 600 swimmers from 70 countries are expected to compete in the capital of Sarawak state from July 29 to August 4.

It will mark the ninth edition of the championships and the first time the competition will be held in Asia.

“We are pleased to announce that Malaysia is going to host the first edition of the World Para Swimming Championships in Asia," said recently elected IPC President Andrew Parsons.

"The coming years are going to be an exciting time for Para-sport in the continent and Kuching will see the world’s best Para-swimmers competing one year before the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

“We would like to thank the Paralympic Council of Malaysia and the Sarawak State Government for their support and we look forward to working with them to organise an amazing event in Kuching in two years’ time.”

Mexico City will stage the event this year from September 30 to October 6 alongside the 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships.

More than 550 swimmers from 60 countries are expected at the Francisco Marquez Olympic Swimming Pool.

S.M Nasarudin, the President of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, claimed the decision shows the aims of the IPC to empower National Paralympic Committees (NPCs).

“We would like to thank the IPC for the decision to award this championships to Malaysia," he added.

"This decision demonstrates the willingness of the IPC to develop NPCs worldwide by giving an opportunity to cultivate the organisational capabilities to host major international events.

“We have earned international reputation in hosting major sporting events in this country and the National Paralympic Council values this opportunity and shall endeavour to deliver the championships to the best of our ability.”