By Karen Bong
MUKAH, Aug 28: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has congratulated Sarawakian powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for winning the first gold for Malaysia on the fourth day of the Tokyo Paralympic Games today.
What was more impressive was that the national powerlifting champion, who is from Serian, also broke the Paralympics record of 227kg set by Rasool Mohsin from Iraq in Rio 2016, when he lifted 228kg in his third attempt on the first day of the sport.
“Congratulations to Bonnie for the amazing feat. Well done!
“I believe more of our athletes (representing Malaysia in Tokyo) will do well and bring glory to the country,” he told a press conference after launching the Centexs Mukah Campus and Oil Palm and Agriculture Academy at the site here today.
Abang Johari gave assurance that Sarawak will reward the outstanding athletes when they return home.
“As for the sum of the reward, it will be decided later.
“As the Federal government has presented incentives to the athletes (who won medals in the Olympics), we will also do the same and this will be on top of what the Federal government has given,” he added.
Star powerlifter Bonnie is no stranger to the national team especially after setting a new world record in the men’s 72kg category with a lift of 230kg at the 11th Fazza Dubai 2021 Para Powerlifting World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June this year.
He however did not better the record set at the UEA when he failed to lift 231kg in his fourth attempt at the Games today.
According to national news reports, the 22-year-old, who is of short stature for a weightlifter, started brilliantly with a first lift of 217kg and continued to maintain an exceptional performance, lifting 225kg in the second attempt before completing the third in style to break the Paralympics record.
The silver medal was won by Egyptian athlete Mahmoud Attia while the bronze went to Micky Yule of Great Britain.
After Bonnie, the Malaysian challenge in Japan will be continued by 31-year-old hairstylist from Batu Kawa, Jong Yee Khie in the 107kg event on Monday (Aug 30). — DayakDaily
