By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Aug 29: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has congratulated Sarawak-born powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for winning Malaysia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020.
SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, in a statement today, said his achievement has brought much joy and glory to the country and made Malaysians and all Sarawakians proud of his extraordinary achievements in world class competition.
“Not forgetting that Bonnie had previously won gold medal at World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok on May 7 and broke world record by lifting 230 kg at the Fazza Dubai Para Powerlifting World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on June 22 this year,” he opined.
Now with this third win in the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020, he said this year was indeed a glorious year for Bonnie and the country, especially Sarawak.
Yesterday (Aug 28), Bonnie created history by becoming the first Malaysian athlete to win the gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 in the below 72kg category powerlifting event.
He broke the Games’ record with a 228kg lift beating his closest rival, Mahmoud Attia from Egypt (191kg) and Micky Yule from the United Kingdom (182kg).
“We all appreciate and fully understand that Bonnie had put in a lot of time, energy and going through a lot of sacrifice, hard work, commitment and indeed hardship, in preparing himself for the competition.
“Especially during the Covid-19 epidemic, it is not an easy task for athletes to train their body and maintain their mental toughness for the competition,” he pointed out.
Ting said that SUPP is looking forward hearing good news from the Federal government and Sarawak government to consider appropriate rewards for Bonnie to acknowledge his dedication and achievement for the country and Sarawak.
“Of course, we should not forget the other athletes who are currently competing in the Tokyo Paralympic Games. This time Malaysia sent 22 athletes and five of them are Sarawakians, including powerlifter Jong Yee Khie, swimmers Jamery Siga and Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli and acher Wiro Juli.
“We pray and wish them all the best and not to worry because all Sarawakians are behind them all the way,” he said. — DayakDaily
