KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — 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.
Its president Datuk Ayub Rahmat said the achievements at the Commonwealth Games proved that the country’s athletes also have the potential to challenge on the international stage in the category, thus dispelling the notion that Malaysia’s strength is only focused on the 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.
“We have athletes with great potential in such weight categories, thus dispelling the doubts of many parties. Therefore, we need to redouble our efforts towards that,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Previously, Malaysia excelled in winning gold in the weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games through Mohamad Aniq Kasdan in the men’s 60kg category, Muhammad Aznil Bidin (men’s 65kg), Muhammad Erry Hidayat (79kg) and Muhammad Hafizuddin Ruslin (88kg) and Mohamad Syahmi Nor Ghazali (94kg).
Meanwhile, Ayub said PABM would work with state associations to identify more potential athletes, with the focus not on large numbers but on producing quality athletes who can achieve international standards.
Therefore, he hoped that the national squad’s success at the Commonwealth Games could be a source of inspiration for state athletes ahead of Selangor SUKMA which is currently underway to pursue higher performance, including challenging the achievements of the country’s 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.
“The door is always wide open for any athlete who exhibits extraordinary performance to be selected to represent the country at the international level,” he said. — Bernama
