NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Bibiana Ahmad (pic) took up powerlifting by chance more than 10 years ago, and today she finally came good – clinching the women’s 67-kilogramme (kg) gold medal at the ASEAN Para Games (APG) Thailand 2025 here.
Bibiana, whose journey into powerlifting began with a chance meeting with coach Jamil Adam more than 12 years ago, lifted 95kg to confirm the gold medal, leaving Vietnam’s Tran Thi Chau (93kg) and Thailand’s Anon Somkhoun (92kg) to settle for silver and bronze, respectively.
Having only managed to get the bronze medal in several previous APG outings, Bibiana attributed her success this time to her mental fortitude.
“Initially, I wasn’t so keen on powerlifting as back then I was just a housewife. But the coach brought me in, and slowly I began to like the sport.
“In powerlifting, one must be mentally strong. All pains and problems must be cast aside. What matters most is to make the lift,” she said.
Despite having the gold medal around her neck, Bibiana chose to remain humble, describing her success as the fruit of her long, arduous journey.
The 38-year-old, who is based in Kuching and trains four times a week, is also glad to have finally achieved her target.
“This is the first time I have achieved my target. I had previously lifted 95kg too. Today, I tried to go for 97kg, but it was not meant to be,” she said.
The mother of one said she has managed to get through the sport without much problem, thanks to the support and encouragement of her coaches and others close to her.
“I want to thank all the coaches and everyone who has supported me. They know me, and they constantly encourage me,” she said. – BERNAMA
