SELANGOR: Sarawak powerlifting coach Jamil Adam is setting his sights beyond the domestic scene, with veteran lifter Bibiana Ahmad now being groomed towards a possible berth at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Jamil said Bibiana’s recent performances had provided encouragement as the team gradually shifted its focus towards international competition and the long-term goal of qualifying for the Paralympics.
He said Bibiana’s inclusion in the podium programme had allowed the coaching team to concentrate more on national-level competitions while building her readiness for the international stage.
“Her achievement is very encouraging. She is in the podium programme, and our preparations have focused more on national competitions,” he said told reporters at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC) today (Sept 7).
Jamil added that Bibiana had only been in the programme for about a year, but the team was already looking to expose her to more international competitions as part of her development.
“We hope that through next year’s tournaments and several international competitions, she can perform at a very good level and qualify for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles,” he said.
The experienced coach said the preparations would not stop with next year’s Para Games in Kuala Lumpur, as the squad also has international competitions lined up to help Bibiana gauge herself against stronger opposition.
He said the team is also targeting an international tournament in Mexico in November, which would serve as another important step in its preparations for the Paralympic qualification pathway.
Jamil said the immediate priority was to ensure Bibiana was ready for the demands of international competition while maintaining the strong performances she has shown at the national level.
“We are giving everything at this early stage of preparation to make sure she is ready for any international event, including the Para Games in Kuala Lumpur next year,” he said.
For Bibiana, who admitted that Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 could be her final appearance at the Games, the road ahead could therefore offer a new challenge beyond the domestic scene.
The 38-year-old Sarawak lifter won gold in the women’s under-61kg lightweight category with an 86kg lift that also set a new national record.
