National shot put champion Jonah Chang Rigan targets breaking the SEA Games record and his own national mark at the 2025 Thailand edition
NATIONAL shot put champion Jonah Chang Rigan has set ambitious targets for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand after his disappointing fourth-place finish in Cambodia two years ago.
The Sarawak athlete aims not only to win gold but also to break the games record of 18.14 metres set by Filipino William Morrison at the 2021 Vietnam edition.
He also targets surpassing his own national record of 18.66 metres achieved at the SIPMA Sports Championship in Johor Bahru last September.
“I am targeting to break the national record and hope to get a bonus by doing 19 metres, which will be a history in the SEA Games,” Jonah said.
At the 2023 SEA Games, he finished fourth with 16.27 metres behind national teammate Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli who took bronze with 17.30 metres.
The 22-year-old remains cautious of Morrison’s challenge, noting his rival recorded 18.81 metres at the Philippine Athletics Championships in May.
Jonah admitted facing additional pressure in his second SEA Games appearance as he will also compete in the discus throw.
“This is the first time I have taken part in two events at a major sports event like the SEA Games, previously it was only at the Malaysia Games,” he said.
The 2025 SEA Games will be held from December 9-20 across Bangkok and Chonburi. – Bernama
