KUCHING: Sarawak’s elite weightlifters intensified preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) by competing in Battle of the Barbell 2026 at CFK Training Ground here recently.
The Olympic weightlifting meet served as an important tune-up platform for several SUKMA-bound athletes, allowing them to assess performances, sharpen techniques and gain valuable competitive exposure ahead of the national games in August.
Featuring Elite and Open categories for both men and women, the competition gathered some of Sarawak’s top lifters alongside rising talents in a strong test of strength and consistency.
In the Elite Men’s division, Nigel Agas Anak Daneil emerged champion with 324.067 points ahead of Paul Ju Tino and Lawrenson Gawan.
Stephanie Magdalin claimed the Elite Women’s title, while Melchizedek Jitan and Chloe Chong won the Open Men’s and Open Women’s categories respectively.
Organising committee representative Carter Wei described the competition as a key platform for both established and developing athletes.
“With SUKMA just a few months away, Battle of the Barbell 2026 provided an excellent opportunity for our athletes to gain valuable competition experience and assess their readiness.
“At the same time, the event gave emerging lifters a chance to compete against experienced athletes, helping strengthen the development pathway for Olympic weightlifting in Sarawak,” he said.
The meet also highlighted the growing depth of Olympic weightlifting in Sarawak as the state continues building towards SUKMA.
