Sarawak govt to reward powerlifting champ Bonnie

KUCHING: National powerlifting star Bonnie Bunyau Gustin is expected to receive a cash incentive from the Sarawak government after defending his gold medal in the Men’s 72kg category at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

According to Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the incentive will be discussed with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg soon.

“Regarding additional incentive, we will have to wait for (instructions from) Premier first as well as the federal government’s contribution with the incentive.

“In 2020, after Bonnie’s gold win at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, the federal government awarded him RM1 million and Sarawak gave half of the amount (RM500,000) to him,” she said when met by reporters after welcoming the arrival of two-time Paralympic gold medallist Bonnie at Kuching International Airport today (Sept 14).

She added that Bonnie’s success is a powerful inspiration to other individuals with disabilities (OKU), aside from making Malaysia and Sarawak proud at the international stage.

The commitment shown by Bonnie to be able to achieve higher success, has become a stimulus for athletes who have great potential in the field of sports.

“Bonnie’s achievements are proof of dedication, perseverance; the high discipline and sacrifices he made, including from his family, coaches and other individuals to be able to produce a champion in this field.

“I am sure that he has undoubtedly put in extraordinary effort, training three times harder than most athletes, to reach the level of success he enjoys today.

“Now, the community can see that Bonnie’s ability far exceed his disability, and this will inspire more athletes to pursue their dreams of becoming champions,” she said.

Bonnie, a 25-year-old Sarawakian with dwarfism, delivered on expectations to secure Malaysia’s second gold medal at the Paralympics, competing in the Men’s 72kg category at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

By lifting 232kg, Bonnie not only won Malaysia’s second gold medal but also surpassed his previous world record of 231kg, set at the 2023 World Powerlifting Para Championships in Dubai.

The lift also set a new Paralympic record, beating his earlier mark of 228kg from the 2020 Tokyo Games.