BY Fadhil Yunus

Brunei Darussalam powerlifters from the Powerlifting Federation Brunei Darussalam (PFBD) enjoyed a fine debut in the international scene after bagging 18 medals and multiple national records in the Southeast Asian Cup at Trove, Johor Bahru.

Six Bruneians, coached by Mateen Amirrudin, contributed to the haul of five gold, three silver and 10 bronze medals.

Of the six medallists, Jackie Chan proved to be the most decorated having won four gold medals in the U66 Masters I category.

His total weight of 490kg marked a new national record which included 185kg in squat, 100kg in bench and 205kg in deadlifts.

He also accomplished new national records in the squat and deadlift events.

His compatriot Ibnu Ayyub also won gold in the meet in the U59 Opens category after setting a new national record in the deadlift event with a weight of 217.5kg.

He also claimed two silvers from his overall score in of 510kg and in squat with 185kg, as well as bronze in bench with 107.5kg.

Ibnu’s combined score of 510kg is also a new national record.

Meanwhile in the U105 Opens category, Ming Lau bagged the silver medal after setting a new national record in the deadlift event with 285kg.

He also achieved a new national record from his overall score of 690kg, and subsequently taking bronze in the process.

The national powerlifter also managed a pair of bronze in the squat and bench events, with weights of 252.5kg and 152.5kg.

Ethan Goi managed three bronze while Mickey Lim won two bronze and Kevin On winning one bronze to complete the list of podium finishers.

PFBD Acting President Ming Lau said, “It was our country’s first international debut and the standards alongside experiences earned through this have been second to none.”

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin