KORAT (Thailand): Sarawak para athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 13th Asean Para Games here, winning a total of 38 medals comprising 13 gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze.
Their achievement made up a significant share of Malaysia’s overall medal haul, with Sarawak contributing nearly one in every five medals won by the national contingent.
Malaysia ended the Games with 201 medals overall, comprising 64 gold, 64 silver and 73 bronze.
Sarawak’s medals came from eight sports, namely athletics, swimming, tenpin bowling, powerlifting, table tennis, archery, boccia and wheelchair basketball, reflecting the breadth of talent among the state’s para athletes.
Para swimming emerged as the biggest contributor, accounting for 18 medals — three gold, 10 silver and five bronze — followed by athletics. Tenpin bowling and powerlifting each contributed three gold medals to Sarawak’s tally.
Two Sarawak athletes also set new Games records in their respective events. Colorine Sijang struck gold in the Women’s Discus Throw F40 and F41, while Noshazwani Maisara Marzuki claimed gold in the Women’s Javelin Throw F37, both marking record-breaking performances in their Asean Para Games debut.
Meanwhile, Bibiana Ahmad created history by winning gold in the Women’s 67kg powerlifting event, becoming the first Sarawakian woman to achieve the feat.
In para swimming, Rusdianto Rusmadi stood out as Sarawak’s top performer with two individual gold medals, while Muhd Nur Syyaiful Zulkafli clinched gold in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke.
Bonnie Bunyau Gustin continued his dominance in powerlifting by securing gold in the men’s 80kg category.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who attended the closing ceremony in Nakhon Ratchasima, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding achievement.
“The contribution of 38 medals was a proud moment for Sarawak and Malaysia, praising the athletes’ discipline, determination and fighting spirit, which were evident in their performances, including record-breaking results and historic first-time gold medal wins,” she said.
She also reaffirmed the state government’s continued commitment to para sports development and athlete welfare.
The strong performance further highlights the resilience and competitive spirit of Sarawak para athletes, while strengthening Malaysia’s standing in regional para sports.
