MALAYSIA’s Ma Hussein Mat Noh dedicated his silver medal in the men’s 80kg category to his late father who passed away last month. However, Thailand and Indonesia turned the powerlifting event into a two-way battle by winning five golds at the 9th ASEAN Para Games, at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
To-date the mighty Thais have won five gold, four silver and two bronze medals whilst the Indonesians won five gold and two silvers only.
Thailand’s 2004 Paralympics silver medal winner Thongsa Marasri, defended his gold in the 72kg category for his country’s first gold medal with a lift of 173kg – 6kg more than second-placed Nguyen Van Hung of Vietnam (167kg). Another Vietnamese, Ma Phuong Quang, won the bronze (164kg).
Kampa Pongtao lifted Thailand’s second gold medal in the men’s 80kg category after powering to a 165kg lift while Malaysia won silver through Ma Hussein Mat Noh (135kg).
In the women’s 67kg category, Somkhuon Anon lifted 93kg to give Thailand their third gold medal. Indonesia’s Rahayu secured the silver with a 94kg lift while Malaysian Bibiana Ahmad settled for the bronze (75kg).
Indonesia’s Nurtani Purba defended her title in the 73kg category when she won the gold by lifting 111kg – which was 2kg more than second-placed Arawan Bootpo of Thailand (109kg). The bronze went to Malaysia’s Sona Anak Agon, the 2015 Para Games 67kg gold medallist, with a lift of 70kg.
In the women’s 79kg category, Siti Mahmudah rewrote a new Games record with a lift of 116kg to win Indonesia’s second gold medal. The previous mark was 115kg while Nyein Sandar Aung of Myanmar took the silver (58kg).
QUOTES:
“I’ve have just recovered from a shoulder injury and glad to win a medal for the country. I dedicate this medal to my dad who passed away.” – MA HUSSEIN MAT NOH, Malaysian powerlifter
“I’ve won five consecutive gold medals in 79kg category since 2009 when Malaysia hosted the Games as well. I’m preparing for the Asian Games and hoping to better my personal best.” – SITI MAHMUDAH, Indonesian powerlifter – 2016 IPC Powerlifting World Cup bronze medalist,
