Para SUKMA 2026: Powerlifter Wan Nur Azri Endures Pain To Smash National Record Four Times

By Farah Najihah Zuraimi

SHAH ALAM, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Wan Nur Azri Wan Azman turned pain into power today, smashing the national record four times on his way to the men’s over-107 kilogrammes (kg) powerlifting gold at the 2026 Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA) here.

The 29-year-old Kelantan lifter began by clearing 180kg to erase Sabah’s Mohd Fauzan Ramlan’s 171kg national mark, then raised it to 190kg with his second attempt and 195kg with his third.

Not satisfied with that, Wan Nur Azri returned for an additional attempt and hoisted 200kg, not only setting another national record but obliterating the previous Games record of 122kg at the Selangor International Trade Centre.

His performance left Sabah’s Maxmalcolm Symond with silver at 145kg and Johor’s Tan Pein Chuen with bronze at 130kg, but the result came at a price after Wan Nur Azri competed despite a right wrist injury sustained during training about a month ago.

“I’m happy. Right now I’m injured, this hand, injured wrist. The wrist. It happened during training, about a month ago, quite close to the Para SUKMA,” he told Bernama after the medal presentation ceremony here today.

The injury almost ended his hopes of competing, while he admitted to facing a tense moment during his third attempt before regaining his composure and finding the strength to complete his record-breaking performance. 

For Wan Nur Azri, the 200kg lift was more than another number on the scoreboard as it was the culmination of a 10-year journey since he first took up powerlifting while still at school.

“I’ve dreamed of this for a long time. Finally, it has come true after 10 years,” said the Kota Bharu-born athlete, who jokingly dedicated the achievement to “myself” after battling a series of injuries throughout his career.

According to him, powerlifting was not his first choice, as he initially took up archery before eventually yielding to his family’s persuasion to give it a try, a decision that ultimately shaped his career.

His coach Ma Hussein Mat Noh has been alongside him since the early days, helping mould the athlete who produced four national records in a single competition today.

After dominating the biennial Games, the athlete under the podium programme confirmed that he has no more international competitions scheduled for the rest of the year, but remains determined to one day reach the world’s biggest stage - the Paralympic Games.

-- BERNAMA