KUCHING: National shot put ace Jonah Chang Rigan broke his own national record at the 2026 Asian Throwing Championships in Mokpo, South Korea today, but the milestone was not enough to secure a podium finish.
The Sarawak-born thrower recorded a distance of 18.81m, eclipsing his previous mark of 18.78m set during his SEA Games gold-winning effort last year.
There was satisfaction, but not fulfilment.
“I could have reached 19m, but that’s alright. but the attempt this time round shows I’m close. I’m optimistic of making a breakthrough at the Taiwan Athletics Open,” said the Sarikei-born athlete in a video shared by Malaysia Athletics
Jonah finished fifth in a field dominated by China, with Chen Hongfei taking gold with a 20.18m throw, followed by Chen Chengyu at 19.64m. Kazakhstan’s Ivan Ivanov claimed bronze with 19.41m.
For Jonah, the mark is a step forward. The target remains at 19 metres.
