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Dr Kumaran Arumugam EdD h c has bagged Asia's Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Dr Kumaran Arumugam EdD h c has bagged Asia's Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Dr. Kumaran Arumugam (h.c.) is globally recognized as one of the best adaptive physical education teachers in the world in 2024 by Iconic Fames Magazine and was awarded Asia's Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024 by both the Asia awards powered by World Research Congress and the Universal Excellence Award, Iconic Fames Magazine.

Dr. Kumaran Arumugam (h.c.)'s passion for sports in special education started when, during his national service, he met a boy with autism during his unit’s monthly community engagement program at a children's home. The child who had a passion for sports but didn’t have anyone who could teach him sports or a place for him to play sports safely. This inspired Dr. Kumaran to pursue his studies in sports and physical education at Republic Polytechnic. Upon his completion of his national service, he was offered an under-23 professional soccer contract, which he turned down to continue his studies and pursue a career as a physical education teacher in a special school in Singapore while continuing to play in the amateur/semi-professional league.

At just 27 years old, he became one of the youngest HODs (PE/CCA) in the CPE (Committee of Private Education) system in Singapore. Through his leadership, he introduced programs like Blind Handball, bench soccer, and the Independent Running System, empowering children with visual impairments to learn, enjoy, and excel in sports. He is also the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate in Adaptive Physical Education from the American University of Business and Social Services.

In the past two years, Dr. Kumaran's work has significantly enhanced the standards of physical education for students with sensory and physical disabilities in Singapore.He has partnered with various sports organizations in Singapore to create sporting opportunities for students with visual impairments and hearing loss. In collaboration with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and the Goalball29 program, he launched training opportunities at Lighthouse School, preparing visually impaired students for future para games.

This partnership with organizations like Para Athletics Singapore ensures students receive professional training and opportunities to compete at higher levels. Collaborating with other organizations such as Para Athletics Singapore and the Singapore Para Taekwondo Federation, Kumaran has also created pathways for students with disabilities to compete professionally.

As a subject lead and PE teacher, Dr. Kumaran developed an independent running system, enabling visually impaired children to learn correct running techniques independently using assistive devices or running guides. He also created Blind Handball, a new sport combining elements of goalball, table football, and handball, specifically designed for visually impaired students. Dr. Kumaran has revolutionized other adaptive sports by introducing innovative programs like long jump for visually impaired students and other field events. One of his groundbreaking initiatives is bench soccer for the visually impaired, where students play soccer while remaining seated on a bench, inspired by the concept of table foosball. This unique approach combines fun, teamwork, and accessibility, making sports an enjoyable experience for everyone.

In 2024, Dr. Kumaran was globally recognized as one of the best adaptive physical education teachers in the world, celebrated for his ability to teach sports to children with multiple disabilities. Over the last decade, he has received numerous accolades, including:

  • People’s Choice Community Changemaker of the Year 2023 at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards
  • Outstanding Contribution to Adaptive Physical Education (Asian Education Awards)
  • Excellence in Special Educational Needs Teaching (Asian Education Awards)
  • Asia’s Inspiring Icon Award in Sports and Physical Education (Asia Awards)
  • Leadership & Dedication in Sports for Children (Asia Excellence Choice Awards)
  • Global Recognition Award in Special Education
  • International Icon Award in Education
  • Young PE Teacher of the Year 2024 (Global Business and Education Awards)
  • Doctor of Education in Adaptive Physical Education (Honoris Causa) by AUBSS
  • Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024 (Universal Excellence Award)
  • Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024/2025 (Asia Awards)

Coming from a lower-income family, Dr. Kumaran understands the barriers faced by many children in accessing sports opportunities. He has worked tirelessly to bridge these gaps, ensuring financial limitations or disabilities do not hinder participation or excellence in sports.

An avid semi-professional soccer player, Dr. Kumaran started playing in Singapore’s lower leagues with Newton Health in 2011 and currently plays for Yishun Football Club. His journey as both an educator and a sportsman serves as an inspiration to younger generations, and he hopes to see more adaptive physical education teachers in the future. Despite being offered multiple senior management roles, including vice principal and deputy director positions, he has chosen to stay at the forefront of working with children with disabilities, directly empowering them to succeed in sports.

Dr. Kumaran Arumugam’s journey is rooted in his humble beginnings, which shaped his belief that every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserves a fair chance to succeed. His vision is not just to teach but to inspire and empower."
Reflecting on his role as an educator, Dr. Kumaran often says, 'Every educator should earn six students who will carry their coffin to the grave when their time is up.' These words reflect his deep commitment to making a lasting impact, not just in classrooms but in the hearts of those he mentors.Through his dedication, he dreams of a world where adaptive physical education is the norm, and no child is left behind. By training more teachers and coaches in adaptive methods, he hopes to unlock opportunities for children everywhere, creating a brighter and more inclusive future.

Currently he is working on an adaptive physical education book and website where there will be numerous lesson plans of different sports and games for children with different disabilities. Dr. Kumaran hopes that through this book and website there will be more awareness on adaptive physical education, and this will ease adaptive PE teachers around the world with scouring for various resources for their students. Lastly, Dr. Kumaran would also like to thank the Asia Awards, powered by the World Research Congress, for awarding him with the award of Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024/2025. He hopes this will inspire the next generation of youth to consider a career in becoming an adaptive PE teacher like him. 

Special mention should be given to three beautiful angels who have been his pillar of support throughout his life: his amazing mother, Madam Kala Devi; his loving wife , Ms. Rubeni Guna; and lastly, the love of his life, his daughter, Sheena Kumaran.

Dr Kumaran Arumugam EdD h c has bagged Asia's Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year

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