BANGKOK: Jonah Chang Rigan stood atop the SEA Games podium as a record-breaker, but the Sarawakian admitted the moment was tinged with disappointment after missing his long-pursued 19-metre mark.
Jonah claimed gold at the SEA Games 2025 after smashing both the national and SEA Games records, yet said the winning throw did not fully reflect the standard he has been chasing in training.
“I’m grateful to break the national record and the SEA Games record. That was my main target.
“But at the same time, I didn’t reach my second target. I couldn’t get 19 metres, so I’m happy and sad at the same time,” he told reporters at the Suphachalasai National Stadium here today (Dec 13).
He explained that a slight technical lapse during his approach cost him valuable distance, preventing him from fully unleashing his power.
“I tried to come in faster and be more intense, but my body didn’t connect properly in the middle.
“It felt okay, but it just didn’t come together,” he said.
Still, the result still represented a major personal breakthrough. Jonah revealed he has never thrown beyond 19 metres even in training, with his previous best standing at 18.40m, achieved just last week.
“I’ve never reached 19 metres in training before, so this is still a good result. I just need to calm down first. We’ll celebrate later on the podium,” he added.
Jonah has already qualified for the Asian Games, but noted that competing at the continental level will demand a significant leap forward, with medal contention likely requiring throws in the 19.50m range.
“It’s not easy, and I’m not there yet. But this result shows I’m moving in the right direction,”he admitted.
He dedicated the gold medal to his family, coaches and teammates, expressing gratitude for their constant support throughout his journey.
“This gold is for my family. I don’t get to spend much time with them. Thank you to my coaches, my teammates, and especially Abang Irfan Shamsudin for pushing me through. Thank God for everything.”
Looking ahead, Jonah said the coming year will be focused on disciplined, structured training as he adapts fully to a new coaching setup with the 2026 Asian Games firmly in sight.
“Everything is new now, so I need more time and more focus. No more playing around. From here on, it’s all about preparing properly for the Asian Games,”he said.
Jonah was ahead of Thailand’s Silamool Thongchai who claimed the silver medal with 16.80m, while the Philippines’ William Morrison III rounded out the podium, securing bronze with a best effort of 16.66m.
