State musclemen bag four medals in S. Korea

Malaysian bodybuilding team during the 51th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championships in Seoul, South Korea.

MIRI: Three Sarawakians brought home a gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the 51th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championships in Seoul, South Korea.

Dr Malvern Abdullah secured the gold in the Flyweight (60kg) category, while Buda Anchah bagged the silver medal in the Lightweight (70kg) category and a bronze in the Masters category.

Awang Mohd Azizul Ghani won the bronze medal in the Welterweight (75kg) category.

The Malaysian team also gained another gold from Mohd Syahrul Azman Mahen Abdullah from Kuala Lumpur, who excelled in the Athletic Physique Up to 167cm category.

The four were among the seven-member Malaysian line-up at the competition, which was held at the Techno Mart Ballroom of City Lotte Hotel Seoul.

The other three were Ahmad Faiz Ariffin in the Athletic Physique Up to 175cm category, Zamarul Al Adam Pulutan Abduillah (Lightweight) and Meilaura Dora Jimmy (Women’s Bodybuilding).

Only Ahmad Faiz made it to the final five of his category, where he finished fourth.

The Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF) vice-president cum team manager Jamilah Ibrahim when contacted in Korea yesterday was pleased with the achievement of all the Malaysian athletes, who competed against their counterparts from over 30 Asian countries.

She believed that the two gold, one silver and two bronze medals could serve as a main factor for all relevant government agencies and corporate bodies to support and sponsor the Malaysian athletes for the World Bodybuilding Championships 2017 to be held in Mongolia next month.

Meanwhile, Malvern said Seoul was a tough outing for him where he faced a daunting line-up of strong contenders from host South Korea, Myanmar, China, Afghanistan, Vietnam and India.

“I’m happy with my achievement and hope to make it to the final in the world championships in Mongolia this September,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Buda, also from Sarawak, said it was a neck-to-neck fight in the Masters and Lightweight finals.

He said getting a silver and a bronze is an achievement and also a motivating factor for him to continue his training for the Mr World 2017.

“I wish to thank the team, coach and MBBF for working hard to bring all the Malaysian musclesmen to Korea and we have given our outmost best to secure medals for Malaysia,” he disclosed further.

The national team with Jamilah (sixth from left) before their departure for Seoul, South Korea yesterday morning.

MIRI: Buda Anchah and Mohd Syahrul Mahen will try to repeat their gold medal performances in the lightweight and athletic physique events which they won in the Mr. Asia championships last year.

The duo are among six musclesmen and woman representing Malaysia for this year’s Mr. Asia in Seoul, South Korea from Aug 20-26.

Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF) vice-president and team manager Jamilah Ibrahim told The Borneo Post that they are targeting two gold medals in this year’s edition before they departed Kuala Lumpur for Seoul yesterday morning.

The other five in action are Dr. Malvern Abdullah (flyweight), Awang Azizul Ghani (welterweight), Zamarul Adam (bantamweight), Mohd Faiz (athletic physique) and Cik Melura (women 55kg category).

The national coach accompanying the team is Othman Yahya.

With four months of intensive training behind him, Buda said that he is ready for his tough assignment.

“It is a challenge to me to retain the two titles (lightweight and Masters) and I work very hard until the last day, “ he added.

Buda, Malven and Azizul are from Sarawak.