Kuala lumpur: After the proud success of winning five gold medals at the recent Commonwealth Games, the Malaysian Weightlifting Association (PABM) is now taking steps to expand its search for talent in the higher weight categories as part of its long-term planning for the upcoming sports games.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PABM President Datuk Ayub Rahmat stated that the achievements at the Commonwealth Games demonstrated that the country's athletes have the potential to compete internationally in higher weight categories. This success challenges the previous assumption that Malaysia's strength was limited to lower weight categories.
"Previously, it was often assumed that we were unable to compete in the heavier categories at the international level. However, the achievements at the recent Commonwealth Games have proven that this assumption is completely untrue," Ayub remarked. He emphasized that Malaysia has promising athletes in these categories, urging efforts to be intensified to nurture this potential.
In the past, Malaysia excelled in the weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing gold medals through athletes such as Mohamad Aniq Kasdan in the men's 60kg category, Muhammad Aznil Bidin (men's 65kg), Muhammad Erry Hidayat (79kg), Muhammad Hafizuddin Ruslin (88kg), and Mohamad Syahmi Nor Ghazali (94kg).
Ayub further mentioned that PABM plans to collaborate with state associations to identify potential athletes, focusing on quality over quantity to achieve international standards. He expressed hope that the national squad's success at the Commonwealth Games would inspire state athletes participating in the ongoing Selangor SUKMA to aim for higher performance levels and challenge the achievements of senior athletes.
"We want them to have dreams and determination to match, and even surpass, the achievements of their seniors who have made the country famous on the world stage," Ayub added. He assured that the opportunity to represent Malaysia internationally is open to any athlete demonstrating exceptional performance.