Abd Karim: Bonnie Bunyau’s success at Paris Paralympics a significant achievement for S’wak, M’sia

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Sept 6): Sarawakian powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin’s success at the Paris 2024 Paralympics today is a significant achievement for both Sarawak and Malaysia, said Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Bonnie, who secured Malaysia’s second Paris 2024 Paralympics gold, not only retained his title as the world’s best in the men’s up to 72kg category but also broke his own world record of 231kg, set at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai, by lifting 232kg on his final attempt at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

“I just received news that an athlete from Sarawak has won a gold medal at the Paralympics in Paris and broken the world record.

“On behalf of the people of Sarawak, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation for delivering a victory that means so much to both Malaysia and Sarawak,” Abdul Karim told reporters when met at a thanksgiving prayer service in conjunction with the King’s birthday celebration at Masjid Al-Muttaqin here tonight.

Meanwhile, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, when met at the same event, expressed confidence that Bonnie’s success would inspire and motivate other Sarawakian athletes.

“We are absolutely thrilled with Bonnie’s achievement, and I am certain it will ignite motivation and high spirits among our athletes.

“We hope this will drive them to become champions in their respective events as we also aim for Sarawak to reclaim the overall championship title at the Para Sukma.

“Congratulations to Bonnie! We are incredibly proud of his success and the pride he brings to Sarawak,” she said.