KUCHING: Congratulatory messages poured in from state leaders for national diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg and lifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin after they were crowned national sportspersons at the National Sports Awards ceremony held at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil, last night.
Pandelela was crowned the National Sportswoman for the fourth time with the previous awards coming in 2011, 2012 and 2015.
Powerlifting world record holder Bonnie was crowned the National Paralympic Sportsman.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian congratulated the duo in his Facebook post for their determination and hard work.
“Heartiest congratulations to Anak Sarawak diving champion Datuk Pandelela Rinong for being crowned the 2021 National Sportswoman and Sarawak powerlifter ace Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for being crowned 2021 National Paralympic Sportsman.
“Thank you so much for your determination and hard work in bringing glory to Malaysia and Sarawak. We are so proud of you,” he said.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah also congratulated them for their success.
“Congratulations to Bonnie Bunyau Gustin who has been crowned the National Paralympic Sportsman winner. The people of Bumi Kenyalang are proud and grateful of Bonnie’s achievement.
“We also would like to congratulate the country’s diving queen, Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg, who was crowned the National Sportswoman for the fourth time. The people of Sarawak are also proud and happy of this achievement,” said Abdul Karim.
For the record, Pandelela claimed the world title in the individual 10m platform at the 2021 World Diving championships in Japan.
Bonnie on the other hand took gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Swimmer Brenda Anellia Larry was named the National Paralympic Sportswoman.
National track-cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang created history after he was crowned as the Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time.
The Sportsman, Sportswoman, Paralympic Sportsman, Paralympic Sportswoman awards winners received RM20,000 each, a trophy and certificates, respectively.
