KUCHING (Dec 20): Sarawak’s powerlifting team showcased exceptional talent and resilience at the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from Dec 1-10. The athletes returned with an impressive haul of four gold, one silver, and five bronze medals, solidifying Sarawak’s standing on the international stage.
The team comprised five lifters, two officials, and four certified IPF Category 2 International referees, representing both Sarawak and Malaysia. The Sarawak Powerlifting Association (SPA) praised the athletes for their remarkable achievements, which highlighted the state’s growing prowess in the sport.
Among the standout performers was Shamsul Annuar, a 62-year-old lifter from Kuching, who clinched four gold medals in the U93kg Men’s Master III category for squat, bench press, deadlift, and overall performance.
In the U52kg Women’s Junior category, Teo Peak Yin, 22, from Sibu, secured silver in squat, bronze in bench press, and an overall bronze medal.
Promising young talent Emenuel Nyawang Walter Wat, 18, from Lubok Antu, bagged a bronze in squat in the U83kg Men’s Sub Junior category and ranked among Asia’s top five. Fellow 18-year-old from Sibu, Dominic Jugah Gawing, achieved a top-eight ranking in Asia in the U66kg Men’s Sub Junior category.
Veteran lifter Ng Joon Lian, 48, from Kuching, also excelled, earning bronze medals in squat and deadlift and finishing among Asia’s top four overall.
The Sarawak contingent contributed significantly to Malaysia’s total medal haul of 13 gold, 11 silver, and 14 bronze medals, further underscoring their strength in the sport.
SPA, established in December 2020, continues to nurture talent across Sarawak, recently claiming the title of overall champion at the National Powerlifting Championship 2024.
Looking ahead, the association plans to host and participate in numerous powerlifting events in 2024, providing a platform for emerging athletes and enhancing the sport’s profile locally and internationally.