By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 21: Sarawak powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin has clinched gold for Malaysia at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games after lifting 225kg in the men’s 72kg event at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Centre yesterday (Oct 20).
The achievement was announced by Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who said the victory was welcome news for Sarawak and recognition of the State’s efforts in nurturing athletes with disabilities.
Bonnie out-lifted his China opponent, who settled for silver with 212kg, while Iran’s opponent took bronze with a lift of 208kg.
Fatimah said the success was particularly meaningful as five Sarawakian athletes had been selected to represent Malaysia at the regional competition following their participation in the recent Para Sukma Games, at the press conference for giving of grant to the Sarawak OKU Skills Development Association (SOSDA) at the Media Room, DUS Complex, today.
“Our ministry has received a letter from the National Sports Council (MSN) expressing its appreciation to the Ministry and the Sarawak government for nurturing athletes with disabilities to the point where they can represent Malaysia,” she said.
She added that further updates on Sarawakian athletes competing at the games would be shared with the media through the ministry’s social media platforms as information became available.
Besides Bonnie, the other Sarawakian athletes representing Malaysia are Mior Anaqi Julin in archery, Nurzammiezatul Syafiqqah Mohamad Zamberi in badminton, Angeline Melissa Lawas in boccia, and Nicodemus Manggoi Moses in para powerlifting.
Fatimah said Sarawak also had four coaches selected for the Asian Para Games, describing their appointment as a source of pride for the State.
“When our coaches receive such recognition, it demonstrates that they are highly capable. We hope they will be able to train and develop even more athletes in the future,” she said.
Fatimah said the participation of the athletes and coaches reflected Sarawak’s growing contribution to Malaysia’s para-sports contingent. —DayakDaily
