SELANGOR: Sarawak’s para powerlifting squad is on course to meet its five-gold target at Para SUKMA Selangor 2026, with three gold medals already secured and two more opportunities remaining on the final day of competition.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the squad’s performance had been encouraging, with the remaining golds still within reach tomorrow (Sept 8).
“We targeted five gold medals and today we have secured three. Hopefully, tomorrow, on the final day, we can get the other two. If we get more than two, that would be even better — a bonus,” she said.
Fatimah also highlighted Anson Tiong Cheong Huat’s golden debut as one of the memorable moments for the Sarawak contingent.
Anson, competing at a major para powerlifting event for the first time, delivered gold in the men’s up to 49kg category to make an immediate impact.
Fatimah described the achievement as a rare feat for an athlete competing at this level for the first time and urged Anson to treat the victory as the beginning of a longer journey in para powerlifting.
“This should be a beginning for him to achieve many more successes in the future,” she said.
She also congratulated the entire Sarawak para powerlifting squad for its performance, expressing hope that the team could meet or even surpass its medal target before the competition concludes.
Fatimah said the para powerlifters’ success should also serve as motivation for Sarawak athletes competing in other sports, as the contingent continues its campaign in Selangor.
“The victory gives encouragement to our other athletes in the other events,” she said.
With the para powerlifting competition entering its final day, Fatimah acknowledged the challenge facing Sarawak as rival contingents continue to improve their performances.
She urged Sarawak athletes to maintain their confidence and fighting spirit as they seek to defend the state’s strong standing.
“As I told the athletes, ‘Agih idup, agih ngelaban’ — Sarawakians must not give up before entering the arena. They must have high spirits and believe in themselves to achieve victory,” she said.
