KUALA LUMPUR: National junior powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin made the country proud by setting a new record to win the gold medal in the men’s up to 65kg junior category at the ninth World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (early Wednesday Malaysian Time).
The 18-year-old Sarawakian, who had a short stature problem, lifted 157kg to rewrite his personal world record of 156kg set in 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Mexico in December last year, according to the Paralympic website;www.paralympic.org/powerlifting.
Sebastian Switonski of Poland clinched the silver with 118kg while the host athlete Osama Albalushi had to settle for the bronze with 97kg in the tournament held at Dubai Club for the Disabled.
Earlier, Bonnie claimed the bronze medal in the senior event in the same weight.
A total of 128 powerlifters from 30 countries are taking part in the five-day championships which started since last Saturday. – Bernama