Sarawak struggles as Perlis shines in weightlifting

BETONG: Sarawak faced a challenging second day in the weightlifting event at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma), with disappointing performances across multiple categories, while Perlis continued to strengthen its medal tally.

Competing at Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan here today (Aug 20), Sarawak’s athletes fell short in the women’s 46kg, 55kg and 5men’s 67kg categories.

Sarawak had high hopes for medals, particularly in the women’s 49kg category through Azriel Eunice Augustine and the men’s 67kg category through Felix Tujang Ik Tuphia. However, they were unable to capitalise on their home-ground advantage.

In the afternoon session, Sarawak’s struggles persisted as Irene Ming Jie Tiang finished last in the women’s 55kg category, lifting a total of 115kg.

In contrast, Perlis continued to dominate, with Muhammad Aimran Syahir Roslin securing gold in the men’s 67kg category by lifting a total of 260kg.

Felix lifts weight in the men’s 67kg category. Photo: Alif Noni

The silver medal in this category went to Muhammad Adam Mukhriz Mohd Hafidz from Selangor, while Villon Ryan Munsin from Sabah took bronze.

In the women’s 55kg category, Terengganu’s Alia Adani Johari claimed gold with a total lift of 152kg, and Johor’s Siti Rohaiza Share’a Abdullah earned gold in the women’s 49kg category with a lift of 142kg.

Perlis currently leads the weightlifting medal table with two gold and two silver, followed by Terengganu with one gold and one silver, and Johor with one gold.

The competition drew the attention of several notable figures, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Research Advisor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, and Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, who were present at the sports hall.