James Kon
Local young weightlifters Nashrul Abu Bakar and Nurul Syuhaidah Ahman who recently competed in the Singapore Weightlifting International 2022 Commonwealth qualifier, managed to achieve exceptional results.
Last Friday, Nashrul Abu Bakar managed to lift a total of 212 kilogrammes (kg), winning the gold medal in the Men’s U61kg class and at the same time breaking Brunei’s national record.
Nashrul said, “I know I was alone on the platform but it felt like the whole country was lifting with me. I received immense support from friends and family. It also helps that my wife and I have the same passion for weightlifting.
“Women are greatly under-represented in the sport, especially in our country. So our mission is to change that for good.”
Meanwhile, with only two days of preparation, Nurul Syuhaidah managed to lift a total of 100kg in the Women’s U49kg class. She participated in the Online Commonwealth Games qualification event on February 27.
She revealed that due to her examination and the COVID-19 outbreak, she could not prepare for the meet in advance.
She hoped to do better in the next weightlifting competition.
The Brunei Darussalam National Weightlifting Association congratulated both athletes for their achievements and hoped their successes will encourage other local weighlifters to test their mettles on the international stage, and bring new enthusiasts into the sport.
The association also thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for its continuous support.
