KUCHING – Sarawak’s para-athletes have made their presence felt internationally by winning for the country seven gold medals at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Their performances made up almost half of the country’s overall gold total on Day 3.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said six silver and three bronze medals were contributed by the Sarawakian athletes, emphasizing that they have played an important role in Negara-Ku’s overall performance.
“Sarawakians are expected to bring home all 15 of these gold medals, and currently, we have secured seven, that’s almost half or seven out of the 17 total gold medals for the whole contingent. This is certainly a book by Sarawakian athletes,” she said according to Bernama during a press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II.
The state’s participation at the Games is respectable as 31 athletes from Sarawak make up Malaysia’s 222-strong contingent. This amount is close to 14 per cent of the national team, emphasising that Sarawak is exerting its influence in para-sports.
The medals were spread across several different sports, including athletics, swimming, tenpin bowling, table tennis and powerlifting. In the list of winners Colorine Sijang was not only able to win gold in track and field; she managed to break a record when she threw 12.82 metres, eclipsing the previous mark of 10.83 metres held by one of her rivals from Thailand.
In the pool, Rusdianto Rusmadi took two gold medals with 50-metre butterfly and 100-metre backstroke, Mohd Nur Syaiful Zulkafli (men’s 50-metre backstroke).
Gunbowling gold-medallist Abang Yahya Abang Azhar won the men’s singles while Gloria Gracia Wong Sze came out tops for in women’s singles table tennis. Bibiana Ahmadwon gold in the 67 kg weight class with her best attempt of 95 kg in powerlifting.
Dato Sri Fatimah said the recognition and incentives for medal winners would be decided after the end of the Games based on reward system set by National Sports Council (NSC).
Malaysia is currently placed third in the medal tally with 17 gold, 21 silver and 31 bronze medals, while both Thailand and Indonesia occupy the top two positions. The good performances of athletes from Sarawak have been key in ensuring Malaysia stays in contention at the regional games.
