Bapi outclassed but lifts only medal for the state – a bronze

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Bapi Muyat in action for Sarawak’s only medal so far, a bronze in the senior men’s 77kg category at Dewan Jubli, UiTM, yesterday.

Bapi Muyat in action for Sarawak’s only medal so far, a bronze in the senior men’s 77kg category at Dewan Jubli, UiTM, yesterday.

KUCHING: Sabah’s Loro Wellkinson Peuji reigned supreme with two gold medals – in the men’s snatch with a winning 137kg and clean and jerk category with 166kg – while Bapi Muyat had to be contented with bronze for Sarawak’s only medal, in the senior men’s 77kg category at Dewan Jubli, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here yesterday.

Bapi lifted 118kg in the snatch, two points behind second-placed Elvin Elvister of Sabah who took silver.

Meanwhile, in the clean and jerk 77kg event, the 18-year-old Berawan lad from Miri could not make any lift (a ‘no-lift’). Silver went to Muhammad Syazwan Afandi Saad (Pahang) while bronze went to Afiq Haziq Daniel Rohizanudin of FT (WPKL).

“This is my first Sukma, and I really feel happy to finally win a medal, bronze as it might be,” said Bapi, adding that he was all nervy on stage against strong rivals like Loro.

Bapi dedicated his humble win to his coaches and his supporters.

After several competitions around Miri, this was his first weightlifting medal.

Meanwhile, in the senior women’s 58kg category, Sarawak’s Marthina Chan, who is the older sister of Marthini Chan who is also a state weightlifter, finished last among five lifters in both the snatch and clean and jerk.

Terengganu hit gold through Norasyikin Nabila Rahimi with 66kg for snatch, while Sabah reigned supreme in the clean and jerk through Marceeta Marylynee with 86kg.

“It is indeed a surprise for us to win a medal today. We did not have any medal hopes for both Bapi and Marthina, as some of their competitors are national athletes. As coach, I am very happy with them,” said Sarawak coach Jonathan Patrick.

Jonathan said the state weighlifting team are standing by their three-gold target, but much depends on luck for the rookie homesters. The weightlifting competition continues today (July 27) with the senior men’s 63kg and senior men’s 85kg. — by Jude Toyat