Sarawak govt sponsors local strongwoman to compete in world championship

Husnul Khatimah (right) presents her profile to Fatimah, witnessed by representatives from various agencies who will assisting the strongwoman to compete at the Static Monsters World Championships in Australia.

KUCHING, April 16: Sarawak strongwoman Husnul Khatimah Wajidi’s dream to compete in the Static Monsters World Championships in Australia this May 20, has come true.

The state government, through Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) has agreed to sponsor Husnul Khatimah’s air tickets and accommodation, amounting to about RM10,000.

With this sponsorship, Husnul Khatimah can now focus on her training, instead of worrying about finding the funds.

At the age of 39, she is the only woman from Malaysia to qualify for the championship.

She will take part in the under 72kg, Log Press and Deadlift categories.

Minister of Welfare, Community, Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who expressed delight at meeting Husnul Khatimah ,said the state government, regardless of which ministry, will definitely assist any athlete who raises the profile of Sarawak and Malaysia in any international event.

“I am glad Husnul Khatimah came to my ministry and we’ve agreed to assist her. This is one huge inspiration for us, especially when no other women wanted to take up such a competition.

“Husnul Khatimah is passionate with what she is doing. She has a very strong commitment and willpower to achieve higher. With that, we wish her all the best and may she continue to carry the name of Sarawak and Malaysia,” Fatimah said after receiving a courtesy call from Husnul Khatimah at her office today.

A Sarawakian, Husnul Khatimah comes from a mixed parentage of an Australian mother and a Malaysian father, with a total of 13 siblings.

“I am grateful for the support given to me by the state government and SSC. Being the only Malaysian that has qualified for the event which allows only the top 10 in each weight category from all over the world to compete at the World Championship, this is a chance to be one step closer towards achieving my goals.

“Competing at the World Championship allows me to be ranked among the best worldwide and to qualify for such an event at my age (turning 40 just three days before the competition) is a dream come true,” Husnul Khatimah said.