The announcement, made at the launch of the Asian Youth Paralympic Games to be held in Bukit Jalil in October, marks a landmark decision for a country which has previously treated Paralympians less favourably.

Jamaluddin revealed that the decision was based on the "commitment and sacrifice" of athletes including Muhammad Zihad Zolkefli – the Malaysian shot putter who won a gold medal in the F20 category at last month's International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships in Lyon.

Shot Putter Muhammad Zihad Zolkefli won gold at the recent IPC World Championships in Lyon and is one star set to benefit by the new landmark ruling


"Incentives will be given out according to championships and will not be decided based on whether the athlete is a normal or Paralympic athlete," said Jamaluddin.

"For example they will be decided on whether they competed in Youth Games, Asian Games or other major events and incentives decided according to the scales determined."

"I considered all the reasons.

"Since we are not Paralympic athletes, we don't know what they go through compared with able-bodied athletes.

"It is hoped that the incentives will help spur all athletes, including paralympic athletes in the future."

The announcement nicely sets up the Asian Youth Paralympic Games which are due to be held from October 26 to 30 at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.

The announcement marks a welcome boost ahead of the Asian Youth Paralympic Games to be held in October in Malaysia


The five-day event is set to feature 2,000 aspiring Paralympic athletes from 42 countries competing across 14 sports including athletics, boccia, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.