KAJANG: The unexpected presence of her mother did the trick for weightlifter Nurqalida Umirah Abdullah to win big for tiny state of Perlis in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
On Monday (Aug 17), the former race walker Nurqalida starred in the women's below 58kg by lifting 76kg in the snatch and 88kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 164kg in the presence of her mother Siti Salmah Sharif at Dewan Seri Cempaka, Kajang.
Sarawakian Irene Tiang took silver with a total lift of 130kg (57kg in snatch, 73kg in clean and jerk) and Pahang's Siti Nur Aliya Maisarah Suid came in third with a total of 123kg (53kg in snatch, 70kg in clean and jerk).
The 17-year-old Nurqalida said her mum has been the most important supporter after losing her father due to liver cancer in 2021.
"I did not know she was coming to watch me perform and she did not give any hint earlier. That's the biggest surprise for me.
"It was only when I stepped on to the stage that I saw her down there.
"I took up weightlifting after my father died. I was a 10km walker at first but stopped because of my asthma.
"I want to dedicate this success especially to my mum and family for the support. My coach has also worked hard to train me.
Nurqalida added the win was a big relief as she had been targeted to win in this edition after only bringing home a silver medal in the below 55kg category in Sarawak two years ago.
Nurqalida is hoping her win will be a springboard to get her into the national team after this.
Arif Musawwir Mohd Nor also gave Kedah their first weightlifting gold medal when he won the men's below 60kg category.
He lifted a total of 266kg to leave Terengganu's Ahmad Wazif Zafran Zaki Yamani with the silver medal (265kg).
Mubin Dzulkarnain of Perlis claimed the bronze with a total of 243kg.
RESULTS
Men
Below 60kg: 1. Arif Musawwir Mohd Nor (Ked) 266kg, 2. Ahmad Wazif Zafran Zaki Yamani (Trg) 265kg, 3. Mubin Dzulkarnain (Per) 243kg.
Below 71kg: 1. Mohd Aimran Syahir Roslin (Per) 275kg, 2. Mohd Amin Khairul Anuar (Pah) 263kg, 3. Izzat Hazmi Tanaim Ishak (Ter) 256kg.
Women
Below 58kg: 1. Nurqalida Umirah Abdullah (Per) 164kg, 2. Irena Tiang (Swk) 130kg, 3. Siti Nur Aliya Maisarah Sui (Pah) 123kg.
