By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 1: National para powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin was today conferred the Bintang Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN) federal honour by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in conjunction with the King’s Official Birthday celebration at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur.
The Sarawakian athlete was among 161 individuals who received federal awards, medals and honours during the investiture ceremony in recognition of their contributions and achievements in various fields.
Bonnie, 26, has become one of Malaysia’s most accomplished Paralympians, earning international acclaim through a string of record-breaking performances in para powerlifting.
Hailing from Serian, he made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by winning Malaysia’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in para powerlifting in the men’s 72kg category. He also set a Paralympic record with a lift of 228kg.
He further cemented his status as one of the world’s best para powerlifters at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he successfully defended his title and broke his own world record with a lift of 232kg.
Beyond the Paralympics, Bonnie has enjoyed success on the world stage, winning gold at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, and claiming the Commonwealth Games title in Birmingham in 2022.
His rise in the sport has been particularly remarkable given his strong family connection to para powerlifting. His father, Gustin Jenang, and elder brother, Bryan Junancey Gustin, both represented Malaysia in the sport, inspiring Bonnie to take up powerlifting at a young age.
Over the years, Bonnie has become a symbol of determination and excellence, consistently placing Malaysia and Sarawak on the international sporting map through his achievements.
The KMN is part of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara) and is conferred in recognition of distinguished service and contributions to the nation. — DayakDaily
