Sarawak boccia duo display skills, fighting spirit at 13th Asean Para Games

KUCHING (Jan 29): Sarawak boccia athletes made a meaningful contribution to Malaysia’s medal haul at the recent Asean Para Games (APG) in Thailand, with performances that show their progress and potential at the regional level.

This is according to Malaysia’s boccia team manager to the games Chi Poh Yung who said the two of the nine national boccia athletes from Sarawak underscores the state’s growing role in strengthening the national para boccia programme.

“Although we only had two athletes in the squad, their contribution was significant and encouraging.

“It shows that Sarawak athletes are capable of competing at a high level and contributing to Malaysia’s overall medal collection,” he told The Borneo Post on Wednesday.

Sarawakian Angeline Melissa Peter Lawas emerged as one of the standout performers after winning the silver medal in the BC1 women’s individual event. She advanced to the final before going down to an Indonesian opponent.

Angeline also claimed a bronze medal in the Team BC1/BC2 event alongside Avrinda Anis and Lee Chee Hong. She did not win a medal at the previous APG held in Cambodia in 2023.

“Angeline has shown tremendous progress in terms of skills, tactics and emotional control.

“Her ability to stay composed in tense situations was clearly evident in Bangkok, and this played a big part in her improved results,” Chi said.

The other Sarawakian Willyien Cliff Honseng competed in the BC1 men’s individual event in his second appearance at the APG series.

According to Chi, Willyien struggled with confidence in his opening pool match against the eventual gold medallist from Singapore which affected his performance.

However, he displayed strong fighting spirit in his second pool match against a Thai opponent before narrowly losing in a closely contested encounter.

“Willyien showed heart and determination especially in his second match,” Chi remarked.

“To compete consistently against the top players in the region, he will need to further sharpen his throwing and breaking skills, as well as manage his nerves better when stepping onto the court,” he added.

Overall, the Malaysian boccia team concluded their 13th APG campaign with two gold, one silver and two bronze medals.