Callixtus clearing the 128kg for gold in the men’s 56kg category.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak’s quest for medals on the first day of weightlifting competition at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here yesterday ended in disappointment.
The state strongmen were unable to match the might of their competitors in both the 50kg and 56kg categories. The gold medals were equally spread between Penang, Perlis, Pahang and Sabah.
Sabahan Callixtus Daunis lifted 128kg – twice his body weight – to top the senior Clean and Jerk event.
The feat was matched by Selangor’s Mohd Yusoff Nandong who had to settle for silver due to his slightly heavier build of 55.94kg. Third was Syazani Rosli of Federal Territory with 121kg.
Sarawak’s Ambrose Berayan and Pete Mitchel Empi Thomson managed to lift 96kg and 95kg, to finish in 11th and 12th placings respectively.
In the Snatch event, Mohamad Taufik Idham Razali of Pahang struck gold after lifting 103kg.
Perak’s Nur Muhammad Hakim Saaban secured silver after managing 100kg while Mohd Yussoff had to settle for bronze.
Earlier, Muhammad Aizat Ahmad Nazim of Perlis emerged triumphant in the Men’s 50kg Clean and Jerk after clearing the 117kg hurdle in his first attempt. He went for 125kg but was unsuccessful. Placing second and third were Mohamad Harith Luftie Adnan of Penang and Syazwan Nizam Khadry of Pahang respectively.
However, not all was lost for Mohamad Harith who won the Snatch after lifting 97kg, leaving Muhammad Zahrul Nizam Zamzuri of Pahang and Muhammad Aizat to take silver and bronze respectively.
All three competitors lifted 93kg in their first attempt followed by 97kg in the second round. The trio, trying to match each other pound for pound, also went 101kg but failed.
Sarawak’s Mario Allesandro Bong took eighth spot in the Snatch category with 65kg and nineth in the Clean and Jerk with 85kg. — by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith