From Underdogs to Champions: Malaysia's CP Football Journey with Adray Uzair
From Underdogs to Champions: Malaysia's CP Football Journey with Adray Uzair
How Malaysia built a competitive CP Football program from the ground up and why their story is far from over
In the dying moments of the 2023 ASEAN Games final in Cambodia, Indonesia scored in stoppage time. For most teams, this would signal defeat. But for Adray Uzair and the Malaysian CP Football team, it sparked something different: determination.
"We were desperate," recalls Uzair, who serves as both athlete and team manager for Malaysia's national CP Football squad. "We were chasing the gold medal, and in the end, we achieved it through perseverance."
That gold medal represented far more than a trophy, it marked the culmination of nearly a decade of building a sport from nothing.
Understanding CP Football
CP Football is a modified version of the sport played with seven players per team, created specifically for athletes with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or the effects of stroke. Matches take place on a reduced-size field and are played in two 30-minute halves.
Today, CP Football has grown into a global para-sport, with participation in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Building From Nothing
When Malaysia's CP Football program officially began in 2015, the challenges were immense. Limited understanding of CP rules and classifications meant that many Malaysians simply did not know what CP Football was. Finding funding, recruiting athletes, and establishing competitive standards all seemed like impossible tasks.
"Doing the right thing in the right way helps us to achieve the best results, especially when we try to work on what seems like an impossible mission," says Uzair.
Over the years, the program gradually established a proper CP Football association, greatly improving knowledge, structure, and organization. Their strategy focused on four key pillars:
● Developing a competitive national team
● Identifying high-potential athletes
● Strengthening the High Talent Program
● Building the sport from the grassroots level
Uzair has been instrumental in raising awareness throughout this journey. His dual role as athlete and team manager gives him a unique perspective on both the competitive and administrative challenges facing the program. Beyond his on-field contributions, he manages financial planning, team development, and social media content helping to tell Malaysia's CP Football story to a wider audience.
The Turning Point
Before their 2023 gold medal triumph in Cambodia, Malaysia's biggest challenge was visibility. Potential sponsors and supporters didn't recognize CP Football, making additional funding extremely difficult to secure.
"We are aiming high," Uzair explains. "Just like today, doing this interview with ParaFootball, it is a good step to keep raising awareness and strengthening collaborations."
The 2023 victory changed everything. With strong achievements came new opportunities: better funding, more professional support structures, and increased public recognition.
Defending Champions Face New Challenges
For the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, the Malaysian CP Football team benefited from unprecedented support. For the first time, they had access to specialist doctors, physiotherapists, and dedicated support staff. All selected players underwent a three-month centralized training camp focused on physical conditioning, tactical awareness, teamwork, and communication.
"Participating in this major event is always something special," Uzair reflects. "It is an interesting experience living around people, having good teammates, and knowing that I have my family and fans supporting me in everything."
For the first time in their history, Malaysia entered the competition as defending champions bringing both pride and pressure.
Tournament Results
The tournament proved challenging for the defending champions:
● Match 1 vs. Indonesia: Lost 3-0, in a rematch of the 2023 final
● Match 2 vs. Myanmar: Lost 4-1
● Match 3 vs. Philippines: Won 23-0
● Bronze Medal Match vs. Indonesia (January 25, 2026): Lost 7-0
Despite not repeating their gold medal performance, Malaysia demonstrated resilience and continued to compete at the highest level within Southeast Asia, one of the most competitive regions for CP Football.
Looking Ahead
Uzair's vision for the future centers on sustainability and long-term development. His primary goal is establishing a well-structured CP Football academy that provides athletes with consistent weekly training opportunities rather than limiting preparation to occasional training camps.
"This approach aims to strengthen team cohesion, enhance overall competitiveness, and support long-term athlete development," he explains.
The proposed academy would serve multiple purposes:
● Provide year-round training facilities
● Develop a sustainable grassroots program
● Nurture young talents
● Build team chemistry and tactical understanding
● Ensure continuous growth of CP Football in Malaysia
A Foundation for the Future
The Malaysian CP Football team's journey from unknown entity to regional champions, and their continued development despite setbacks, demonstrates what's possible when dedication meets opportunity. They have built a strong foundation both on and off the field, establishing themselves as a serious force in Southeast Asian para-sport.
For Uzair and his teammates, the work is far from finished. With each training session, each match, and each interview, they continue to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of CP Football athletes in Malaysia.
Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook .
About CP Football: CP Football is governed internationally by the International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF) and follows standardized classification systems to ensure fair competition. Athletes are classified based on their functional ability, with classes ranging from FT1 (most impaired) to FT3 (least impaired).
