Bangkok: After returning empty-handed at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, national shot put champion Jonah Chang Rigan has set a bold target for the 2025 edition in Thailand next month. Not only is Jonah aiming to grab gold, but he also wants to break the games record set by Filipino athlete William Morrison, which was 18.14 meters at the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, as well as his own national record of 18.66 meters at the 2025 Malaysian Educational Institutions (SIPMA) Sports Championship in Johor Bahru, in September.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jonah expressed his goal to surpass the national record and achieve a new milestone of 19 meters, setting a new games record at the SEA Games. In the 2023 SEA Games, Jonah finished fourth with a record of 16.27 meters, while national track and field champion Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli secured bronze with 17.30 meters.

The athlete from Sarawak remains cautious of the challenge posed by Morrison, whose season-best record reached 18.81 meters at the Philippine Athletics Championships in May. Jonah, 22, also acknowledged the pressure of competing in two events-shot put and discus throw-at the upcoming biennial games, marking his first participation in dual events at a major sports competition.

The 2025 SEA Games is scheduled to take place from December 9-20, spanning two regions, Bangkok and Chonburi.