KUALA LUMPUR: The national para powerlifting squad is in a favourable position to achieve success at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, but national coach, Jamil Adam, stressed that meticulous tactical planning will be required to cope with the competition format.
However, he is confident that his charges are capable of putting up a strong challenge and bringing home commendable results if preparations go according to plan.
“In terms of our capability compared with other Commonwealth countries, we have a high chance, but at the same time we have to be very careful in planning for the competition itself.
“What makes the Commonwealth Games very tough is that all the lower weight categories will be combined and all the higher weight categories will be combined. It is not solely based on the amount of weight lifted, but also on body weight, as there is a formula used to determine the points. The lighter you are and the heavier you lift, the greater the advantage for the athlete,” he said.
He said this after the national squad received a visit from Malaysia’s Chef-de-Mission to the Games, Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, at the Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan here today.
Jamil also said that currently only Nicodemus Maggoi Moses and Bryan Junency Gustin are under his supervision in Kuala Lumpur, while Paralympic gold medallist, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, is training in Sarawak under the guidance of his coach there.
He said that Bonnie, the defending champion, remains the country’s main medal hope in the lightweight category (below 72kg), while Nicodemus and Bryan, who will compete in the heavyweight category (above 72kg), will be making their Commonwealth Games debuts.
Nicodemus, who won a gold medal at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, described his Commonwealth Games debut as a new challenge, particularly in adapting to the combined-category system.
“My preparations are okay and everything is going well. I will try to do my best and hope to win gold at the Commonwealth Games,” said Nicodemus, whose personal best lift is 220kg, achieved in Thailand.
Bryan, who is also Bonnie’s elder brother, described the opportunity to compete alongside his sibling on such a big stage as an added motivation to contribute a medal for the country. – BERNAMA
