Lighten up, mum

Weightlifter Sonia hopes two golds will appease worrying parent

JOHOR weightlifter Sonia Cassendra Masne hopes her two gold medals at the Sukma will placate her mother’s worries.

Sonia, competing in the girls’ above 90kg event which is contested for the first time in the Sukma, lifted 96kg in the snatch and 120kg in the clean and jerk events to set a new Games and national record at the Merdeka Hall in Tapah yesterday.

The Johor Baru-born Sonia said her mother had always objected to her participation in the sport.

“My mother was never keen on me being active in weightlifting, we quarrelled every time when I had to go for training. Luckily for the Sukm ma, I had to stay in the hostel forf training so I escaped the fight s,” said the Kadazandusun lass.

“I think my mother was worried that I might get injured and all the heavylifting will affect my health later on.

“I understand her worries and besides that, my father always supported me so I really pursued the sports seriously.

“Now I won two gold medals in my first Sukma, I hope this will make her understand my passion and win her su upport.”

TheT 18- year- old Sonia said she e was challenged by her coachcoa – former national weightlifter Nur Jannah Batrisyah – to break her own record of 130kg. Nur Jannah, who competed in the above 75kg, holds the national record of 102kg in the snatch and 130kg in clean and jerk, which was set at the Perlis pre-Sukma tournament in 2014.

Sonia lifted 130kg in her final attempt but the lift was cancelled as she was adjudged to have committed a foul during the lift.

“My coach challenged me to break her record, and I managed to lift 130kg but the referee ruled it out as a foul due to a technical error.

“I’m a bit disappointed but I think I’ll have more chances to do better in other competitions in the future.

“My dream is to represent Malaysia, I hope I’ll be picked to join the national weightlifting team after this.”