Bonnie an inspiration to Para Sukma Sarawak athletes, says Fatimah

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin’s recent victory at the Paris 2024 Paralympics could inspire athletes competing in the upcoming Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 to excel in their events.

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah hoped that Sarawak would reclaim the overall championship title at Para Sukma 2024 after losing to Sabah in 2022.

“We are very happy for Bonnie on his victory, and we hope this can become a motivation for our Para Sukma athletes as well,” she said.

Fatimah (left) and Karim speaking to reporters after attending the thanksgiving prayer ceremony.

She was speaking to reporters after attending the thanksgiving prayer ceremony in conjunction with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday celebration at Al-Mutaqqin Mosque here on Friday (Sept 6).

Similarly, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Bonnie’s victory was not only meaningful for Sarawak, but also for Malaysia as a whole.

“Congratulations to Bonnie, we are very happy for him and his victory,” he said.

Earlier, Bonnie claimed the second gold medal for the Malaysia, and not only retained the title but also broke his own world record of 231kg set at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai with a new record of 232kg on his final attempt at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

The 232kg lift also set a new Paralympic Games record for Bonnie, surpassing his previous mark of 228kg set at Tokyo 2020.

Bonnie’s dominance was evident early on as he secured his gold with an initial lift of 221kg, comfortably outstripping his nearest competitor, Italy’s Donato Telesca, who lifted 209kg in his first attempt.

The 25-year-old made his second attempt with ease, lifting 226kg and finished with a final lift of 232kg to seal his victory.