By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 14: Receiving the 2023 National Paralympic Sportsman Award for the second time has provided a significant motivational boost to world record holder and world champion Sarawakian powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin as he prepares for the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Bonnie received the award on Thursday (June 13), which included RM20,000, a trophy, and a certificate, presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a ceremony at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil.
The national powerlifting star, who broke his own world record in the 72kg event with a lift of 231kg at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai, defeated three para-athletics athletes: Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, Datuk Abdul Latif Romly, Muhammad Ammar Aiman Nor Azmi, and para-swimmer Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli to be named the National Paralympic Sportsman.
“I did not expect to win the award because there are many excellent and outstanding athletes.
“Receiving the National Paralympic Sportsman award for the second time this year is a blessing and a motivational boost for the Paralympics 2024 in Paris,” he told reporters when met at the Countdown 100 days to Para Sukma Games 2024 Sarawak at a hotel here today.
The ceremony was graced by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
Regarding his preparations for the Paris Paralympics, Bonnie expressed uncertain to make another record-breaking feat as he has just resumed training, but is determine to win another gold for Malaysia.
“I have just resumed training following injury recovery. Currently, I am doing light training as my right shoulder, which was injured, is now 90 per cent recovered.
“For now, I will focus on training to deliver 100 per cent performance. I hope to maintain my momentum and aim for another gold medal,” he said. — DayakDaily
