KUCHING: Sarawak’s para athletes make up a significant 14 per cent of Malaysia’s contingent at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, contributing strongly to the nation’s medal tally as the competition enters its final days.
The ASEAN Para Games, which began on Jan 20 and runs until Jan 26, features para athletes from across ASEAN competing in various sports.
Malaysia’s contingent includes 222 athletes, with 31 representing Sarawak – comprising 20 men and 11 women.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who is closely monitoring the team, highlighted the significance of Sarawak’s representation.
“Alhamdulillah, 14 per cent of our Malaysian para athletes are from Sarawak, which is quite substantial,” she said in a press conference at her office in Baitulmakmur Building II today (Jan 23).
Sarawak’s athletes are competing in 10 sports including powerlifting, para swimming, tenpin bowling, para badminton, boccia, wheelchair basketball, football, and para-table tennis.
While the contingent does not participate in every event, they have been focusing on key sports where they have strong potential.
As of Jan 23, Malaysia had secured a total of 17 gold medals, with Sarawak athletes contributing seven of these.
Among the standout performers is Colorine Sijang, a 47-year-old athlete from Kampung Mundai, Padawan, who won gold in the women’s F40/F41 discus throw, setting a new record with a 12.82-meter throw.
Other medalists from Sarawak include powerlifters, swimmers, and bowlers who have won multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals. Notable performances include Rusdianto Rusmadi stood out by winning two gold medals in the men’s 50m butterfly (S8) and 100m butterfly (S8) swimming events.
Sarawak also won gold through Abang Yahya bin Abang Azhar in the men’s singles (TPB4) 10-pin bowling event, while Gloria Gracia Wong Sze took gold in the women’s singles (TPB4) table tennis.
Another gold medal was won by Bibiana Ahmad in the women’s para powerlifting 67kg category, lifting a personal best of 95 kilograms.
Fatimah acknowledged the challenges the athletes face competing in unfamiliar weather and environments but praised their determination and achievements.
“For para athletes, simply participating at this level is an achievement. Medals are a bonus. These athletes have overcome tremendous obstacles to reach this stage,” she said.
Malaysia currently ranks third overall, trailing Indonesia and Thailand, with the final day of competition scheduled for January 26. The Malaysian contingent is hopeful for further success in the closing days.
Fatimah highlighted plans for national recognition and incentives for para athletes based on their performances at the games.
“Recognition and rewards will be decided by the National Sports Council and relevant bodies. Our focus now is on supporting and motivating the athletes to give their best,” she said.
