At the last edition of the Sukma (Malaysia Games) in Pahang, Perlis came away with 3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals in weightlifting.
This time around the Northern Lions are targeting a 4-2-2 haul in front of their home fans in Kuala Perlis, where the weightlifting competition will be held.
The state is counting on Mohd Hanie Musa who won one gold and one silver in the 85kg category in Pahang. Hanie, however, has moved up to the heavier 94kg category, which he says is “no big deal” as he has prepared well.
“Moving up the heavier category is not a problem for me,” said the 21-year-old Hanie, who has set himself a personal target of two gold medals in a bid to end his Sukma career on a golden note.
“Insyallah (God Willing) I will achieve my personal target of winning two golds for Perlis. It is within my reach. I am not worried about my rivals,” said Hanie.
“As long as I am focused I am confident of bringing the golden cheer to my state. I want to be remembered as one of those who delivered the gold medals because the state is targeting to win at least 14 golds.”
Perlis’ best gold medal haul was in Kuala Lumpur – winning six gold medals with cyclist Jupha Somnet contributing four golds, which also won the Best Female Athlete at the Games.
Hanie’s confidence for this year’s Sukma is boosted after a fruitful year last year.
He won two gold medals in the National Circuit in Shah Alam in January, two gold medals at the National Weightlifting Championships in Kota Kinabalu and one gold and one silver (National Circuit) in October – all in the 85kg category.
