Singaporean coach makes history with landmark international Deaf football appointment
Kumaran Arumugam has been appointed as Assistant Coach for both the Men’s and Women’s Nepal Deaf National Football Teams, marking a historic milestone as the first Singaporean to take on a coaching role with a Deaf National Team overseas. His contract spans from 2026 to 2031, reflecting a long-term commitment to strengthening high-performance structures and athlete development within Deaf football in Nepal.
The appointment was officially announced in January 2026, highlighting the Nepal Football Association for the Deaf’s strategic vision to invest in sustainable growth, sports science integration, and long-term performance planning for Deaf athletes.
Role and Responsibilities
Kumaran’s appointment is a hybrid role, where he will work closely with the national team coaching staff both online and in person. He will collaborate remotely on planning, monitoring, and performance analysis, and will also join the teams on-site during international tournaments and overseas competitions to provide direct support.
In his role as Assistant Coach, Kumaran Arumugam will support both national teams through a performance-focused framework. His areas of focus include:
- Sport science and performance monitoring
- Football conditioning and physical preparation
- Athlete nutrition planning
- Injury prevention, recovery, and load management
These responsibilities aim to ensure athletes are physically resilient, well-prepared for international competition, and supported through evidence-based training methods.
Playing and Coaching Background
Kumaran brings 16 years of competitive football experience, with competitive experience across Singapore Football League Division 1 and Division 2 teams, as well as the Islandwide League. His playing career has provided him with a strong tactical foundation and a deep understanding of competitive football environments.
Alongside his playing journey, he has dedicated the past 10 years to working with children and athletes with disabilities, designing inclusive training programmes that prioritise athlete safety, confidence, and long-term development.
Recent International Success
Most recently, Kumaran played a key role in preparing Down Syndrome athletes for the Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation Games 2026, held in Chennai, India. The athletes achieved outstanding results, securing:
- 3 Gold medals
- 1 Silver medal
- 3 Bronze medals
This success highlights his expertise in adaptive coaching, physical conditioning, and preparing athletes with disabilities for high-level international competition.
Club and Grassroots Development in Singapore
In Singapore, Kumaran is also the founder and head coach of:
- FWS Deaf United (Football Team)
FWS Track & Field Team
Both teams have been actively competing in local competitions since 2023, providing Deaf athletes with consistent competitive exposure and structured training pathways within the local sporting ecosystem.
A Milestone for Deaf Football
Kumaran Arumugam’s appointment represents a significant milestone for Deaf football in the region, strengthening collaboration between Southeast Asia and South Asia in disability sport development. His blend of international experience, inclusive coaching expertise, and long-term performance vision is expected to contribute meaningfully to the progress of Nepal’s Men’s and Women’s Deaf National Football Teams over the next five years.
This appointment also stands as a proud moment for Singapore, showcasing local coaching talent making an impact on the international Deaf football stage.
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