KUCHING: Malaysian para powerlifting sensation Bonnie Bunyau Gustin reaffirmed his global supremacy yesterday (June 22) by capturing gold in the men’s 72kg category at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting World Cup, hosted at the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities (CASPD).
The Sarawakian star lifted an impressive 215kg, comfortably outpacing Cuba’s Jesus Cuevas Cisneros (175kg) and India’s Ramubhai B. Bhambava (151kg).
Although his effort fell short of his own world record of 232kg, set at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, it reinforced his dominance in the weight class.
Bonnie entered this tournament as the reigning favourite—not only due to his Paris title but also the calibre of the field, which featured 161 elite athletes from 23 nations—including fellow Paris medallists—competing in China’s inaugural World Cup since hosting the 2008 Olympics.
Also in the spotlight was Bonnie’s younger brother, Bryan Anak, who stepped onto the platform in the men’s 88kg division, marking a family double at the elite level.
The staging of this tournament serves as an important prelude to the 2025 Cairo World Championships in October, offering a crucial form check for elite athletes.
