By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 26: Sarawak para powerlifter Azlan Mos left his mark at Para Sukma 2024, lifting 171kg to break the previous record held by Malaysian strongman, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin.
Competing in the 65kg category, Azlan surpassed Bonnie’s 170kg record set at Para Sukma 2018 in Perak, earning him two gold medals.
With a total combined lift of 465kg, Azlan’s performance underscored his strength and determination, bringing pride to the Sarawak contingent.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the athlete from Sebuyau expressed his joy in winning gold for Sarawak and dedicated his victory to his mother, a humble farmer.
“I’m rarely home in Sebuyau, but my mother always supports and prays for me from afar,” said Azlan, adding that he also owed his success to his coach and powerlifting team, who consistently pushed him to rise for Sarawak.
Azlan saw his record-breaking performance as a personal milestone and viewed his friendly rivalry with Bonnie as a source of motivation.
“We’re good friends in the powerlifting team. I consider it healthy competition. I just keep a positive mindset. If Bonnie can do it, so can I,” he added when met by reporters after the medal presentation ceremony.
Looking ahead, Azlan is already preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian Para Games in Thailand and his third appearance at the Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai in February.
Meanwhile, fellow Sarawakian Melinda Tiong brought home two gold medals in the women’s 61kg event for both best lift and total lift.
Tiong lifted 62kg, with a combined total of 183kg across her three attempts.
Perak’s Aphiradi Singchang secured two silver medals with a best lift of 57kg and a total lift of 168kg, breaking both national and Para Sukma records in the women’s 61kg W55 category.
Johor’s Eng Ling Li earned two bronze medals with a 46kg best lift and a 123kg total, also breaking the Para Sukma record for best lift in the women’s 61kg W41 event.
Sarawak’s Rabiatul Adawiyah narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth despite lifting 46kg with a total lift of 91kg. However, she still broke both the national and Para Sukma records for the women’s 61kg W45 event. — DayakDaily
