Chia (third right) receiving a Kuching Supplements T-shirt from Ghaddafie during the presentation at the company’s outlet at Jalan Petanak.
KUCHING: Eight local bodybuilders will shoulder the responsibility of representing the state at this year’s Mr Borneo championships in Kota Belud, Sabah on Dec 20.
Asian Masters champion Buda Anchah will lead the line-up comprising Malvern Abdullah, Suhardi Marzuki, Leopas Bunsu Saba, Wilfred Harding, Aisa Rosli, Jeremiah Rukong and Donny Fam.
According to Sarawak Body Building Association (SBBA) team manager Sonny Chia, they hope to reclaim the overall championship title after a four-year hiatus.
“The last time we participated (in Mr Borneo) was in 2010, when we were named overall champions. We strive to repeat that performance, despite facing tough competition from Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia,” he said during a presentation of sponsorship to the athletes by Kuching Supplements here recently.
Leopas, who is the youngest of the line-up at 22, was excited at being selected to represent the state in the flyweight (Under-60kg) category.
“It’s a dream come true. This is my first time entering a regional outing. I’m happy, yet nervous at the same time.
“I will do my best to deliver, as entrusted to me by SBBA, my coach George Awi and my gym-mates at Iron Hardcore Kota Samarahan. I really want to make my family proud,” said the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak diploma graduate.
Meanwhile Kuching Supplements director Mohd Ghaddafie Zamani said the sponsorship marked the company’s first endorsement of athletes competing for an international event.
“Going forward, we also strive to work closely with SBBA in supporting more bodybuilding events across the state next year,” he added.