KUCHING: Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today handed over RM2.256 million in cash incentives to state athletes who won medals at last month's 21st Para Sukma Sarawak.
The cash incentives also include those who medalled in team events.
The para athletes won 82 gold, 53 silver and 74 bronze medals for a total collection of 209 medals.
With the 82 gold medals, Sarawak became the overall champion for the 14th time.
Sarawak was also the overall champion in the 21st Sukma Sarawak by garnering 76 gold, 54 silver and 69 bronze medals.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Abang Johari said he was proud of the performances of the athletes at both games.
"This is a record of sorts," he said.
The premier urged all the athletes to prepare themselves for the 22nd Sukma in Selangor in 2026 and the Sea Games in 2027, especially as Sarawak will be a co-host for the latter.
He said the Sarawak government will continue to support the development of the sports sector as it wants the state to become a sporting powerhouse.
Abang Johari also handed over RM500,000 in cash incentives to Bonnie Bunyau, who created a new world record in the powerlifting event in the men's below 72kg category at the recent Paris Paralympic Games.
He lifted 232kg, breaking his own record of 231kg set at the 2023 World Championships in Dubai.