KUCHING: Four Sarawakian para athletes have qualified for the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.
They are powerlifters Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and Jong Yee Khie, swimmer Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkifli and boccia para athlete Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rahman.
Bonnie, who won gold in the 72kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, said he hoped to maintain the top ranking in the coming Games.
He said he had just resumed training after recovering from an injury to his right shoulder.
“I have started light training as my shoulder is about 90% healed.
“I should be fully recovered by the time of the Paris Paralympics,” he said.
Bonnie was speaking to reporters when met after the 100-day countdown ceremony to the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) here on Friday (June 14).
Asked if he planned to break any records, he said he did not know yet as he had just started training.
State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said Sarawak was proud of its athletes who were heading to Paris.
“We want to contribute to the nation’s sporting prowess and produce athletes who can compete at international level.
“Hopefully the achievements of Bonnie, Jong, Syaiful and Abdul Razzaq will inspire other para athletes to do better,” she said.
Fatimah also said Sarawak aimed to provide opportunities for para athletes to develop and succeed in their sports careers.
“For us, empowering the disabled through sports is very important.
“We know they have the talent, so our role is to give them opportunities,” she added.
The Para Sukma will be held in Sarawak on Sept 22-28.
Some 1,528 athletes are expected to take part in 334 events across 10 sports.
