Sarawak’s weightlifters carry the load amid Ramadan

KUCHING (March 10): Sarawak’s weightlifting squad has begun intensive preparations for the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma), with training continuing as usual during the Ramadan fasting month, said Sarawak state weightlifting team head coach Jonathan Patrick.

He said the athletes are currently undergoing intensive training as part of their early preparations for Sukma XXII, hosted by Selangor in August.

“During the fasting month we continue training as usual, but for athletes who are fasting we slightly reduce the training load. At the moment we are conducting intensive training as part of the pre-preparations for Sukma,” he added when contacted on Monday.

The current group of potential athletes for the next Sukma remains in a long list, with the final shortlist expected to be determined at the end of May.

“The shortlist will consist of 16 athletes: eight men and eight women,” the coach revealed.

Currently, nine elite lifters are undergoing full-time training in Kuching at the Sarawak Sports Village with more due to join the centralised programme in May.

The Sarawak weightlifting squad is aiming to improve its performance following a challenging outing at Sukma XXI hosted by Sarawak in 2024.

At that previous Sukma, held from Aug 19 to 23 at the Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan in Betong, Sarawak bagged only one medal through Katierina Bojing who won bronze in the women’s 45kg category with a total lift of 108kg.

For Sukma XXII, the weightlifting competition will be staged at the Dewan Seri Cempaka MPKJ in Kajang, Selangor from Aug 15 to 24.

Meanwhile, Sarawak has enjoyed tremendous success in the para-powerlifting discipline at the Para Sukma, topping the medal tally in the sport with 13 gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

For this year’s Para Sukma, the state para lifters are expecting to mount another stronger challenge to retain their dominance in the sport.