KUCHING – The three-day Powerlifting Nexus of Power 2026 Championship at Plaza Merdeka has provided a platform for local athletes to demonstrate their strength and competitive ability while bringing participants from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia together.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the championship went beyond showcasing powerlifting talent, with the event also contributing to wider sports development and promoting interaction among athletes from different parts of the country.
His remarks were delivered by Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng during the tournament’s closing ceremony on Sunday.
Dr Sim said the championship also had potential to contribute to sports tourism, while its inclusion of para athletes supported greater accessibility and participation in the sport.
He also highlighted the involvement of women in powerlifting, saying increased female participation was another aspect of the event’s contribution to a more inclusive sporting environment.
The championship was held from Aug 21 to 23 at Plaza Merdeka, where visitors were able to watch competitors demonstrate their strength and skills throughout the three-day event.
The tournament brought together athletes competing in powerlifting, providing an opportunity for participants to test themselves in a competitive setting while gaining exposure before an audience.
Dr Sim said the Sarawak government would continue investing in sports infrastructure as part of its broader efforts to support sporting activities in the state.
Among the projects he highlighted was the upgrading of the Sarawak Stadium, which is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The stadium upgrade is being undertaken ahead of Sarawak’s role in co-hosting the 2027 SEA Games. Dr Sim said Sarawak would host the opening ceremony and 17 sports during the regional sporting event.
The infrastructure development is expected to support preparations for the SEA Games while adding to the state’s existing sporting facilities.
At the closing ceremony, Dr Sim also congratulated athletes who achieved podium finishes and other strong results during the championship.
He encouraged the competitors to maintain their training, work towards improving their performances and remain confident in their abilities as they continue developing their sporting careers.
The Powerlifting Nexus of Power 2026 Championship also highlighted the growing role of events that bring together athletes from different regions and backgrounds.
With participants from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia taking part, the competition provided an avenue for sporting exchange while giving local athletes an opportunity to compete alongside competitors from outside the state.
The involvement of para athletes and women further broadened the range of participants featured during the championship.
The three-day event attracted visitors to Plaza Merdeka, adding a public dimension to the competition as spectators watched athletes compete and demonstrate their physical strength.
Organisers and participants were also able to use the event to raise the profile of powerlifting among members of the public, particularly those visiting the city centre during the championship period.
As Sarawak prepares for its role in the 2027 SEA Games, events such as the Powerlifting Nexus of Power championship form part of the state’s wider sporting calendar, while giving athletes opportunities to gain competitive experience and public exposure.
