Bonnie Bunyau crowned Best Para Athlete for third time at SAM-100PLUS 2024 Awards

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 15: National powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin has once again proven his dominance in para sports by clinching the Best Para Athlete title at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS 2024 Awards, marking his third time receiving the prestigious honour.

According to a TVS news report quoting Bernama, the Sarawak-born powerhouse overcame stiff competition from other top para athletes including para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou, F20 shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, long jumper Datuk Abdul Latif Romly, and T44 sprinter Eddy Bernard.

Bonnie’s selection was a testament to his outstanding international achievements over the past year, which continue to cement his legacy as a national icon in para sports.

In the same ceremony, lawn bowler Nor Farah Ain Abdullah was named Best Athlete, beating out high-profile nominees such as men’s badminton doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, bowling star Sin Li Jane, tower runner Soh Wai Ching, and wushu athlete Tan Cheong Min.

The 2024 SAM-100PLUS Awards, organised by SAM, also recognised excellence in sports journalism. Astro Arena journalist Norsyarafina Nasrom and cameraman Muhamad Shahir Othman took home the Siebel Award, which includes RM10,000 in cash and a trophy. — DayakDaily

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