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Jonah Chang Rigan. Photo credit: Ukas livestreamAdvertisement
By Amanda L
KUCHING, May 19: Sarawakian athletes have continued to make their mark at national and international competitions in 2026, securing medals across cycling, sailing, squash, wushu and athletics while further strengthening the State’s standing in Malaysian sports.
During his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the achievements reflected Sarawak’s growing contribution to the country’s sporting success.
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Among the standout performances were those recorded in cycling, where Muhammad Danial Hakim Zulkaisi captured two gold medals this year.
He first won the men’s junior elimination race at the Asian Track Cycling Championships in the Philippines in March before clinching another gold in the criterium event for the 17 to 18-year-old category at the Kejohanan Junior Cycling Malaysia Series 1-2026 in Langkawi, Kedah, in April.
Another Sarawak cyclist, Afif Danish Mohamad Nazir also secured gold in the criterium event for the 13 to 15-year-old category at the same championship.
In sailing, Mohamad Hazmi Suwandy finished second at the 4th YAI North East Regatta 2026 held in India in April.
Sarawak’s squash athletes also delivered notable results, with Altamis Aqhar Sallam emerging champion in the boys’ under-19 category at the Touch ‘N Go Group Squash Racquets Association of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur International Junior Open Squash Championship 2026 in April.
Meanwhile, Whitney Isabelle finished first at the same tournament, adding to her earlier achievements of second place at the Philippines Satellite No. 1 2026 in March and third place at the Marigold Singapore Squash PSA Satellite 1 2026 in February.
The State’s wushu athletes likewise impressed at world-level competitions. At the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China, held in March, Crystal Wee Yu Tang won gold in the girls’ children daoshu event and silver in girls’ children changquan.
Bryan Wee Hao Quan collected a silver medal in boys’ children daoshu as well as bronze medals in boys’ children changquan and boys’ children gunshu while Darren Hiing Chee Yik secured bronze in boys’ children nandao.
Sarawak athletes also excelled at the 5th World Taijiquan Championships in Bulgaria in April where Marcos Bong Wei Zhi won gold medals in Sun Style Taijiquan, Yang Style Taijijian and Yang Style Taijiquan.
Serene Teo Xing Ling earned silver medals in the 3rd International Taijijian and Taijiquan events, while Elson Chong Jia Bao took silver in Chen Style Taijijian and bronze in Chen Style Taijiquan. Carmen Chaw Jia Min also contributed with a silver medal in Sun Style Taijiquan.
In athletics, Jonah Chang Rigan broke a new national record in the shot put event at the 4th Asian Throwing Championships 2026 in Mokpo, South Korea in May. — DayakDaily
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