Buda’s ‘sweetest’ Mr Borneo victory

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Buda celebrating with Sarawak team-mates.

KUCHING: Many would have thought that after winning numerous titles over his 20 years in bodybuilding Buda Anchah has reached that stage of ‘been there, done that.’

As such, it did not come as a big surprise to fans that he was crowned this year’s Champion of Champions at the Mr Borneo contest held at Tun Said Keruak Community Hall in Kota Belud, Sabah last Saturday night.

However, the 42-year-old first warrant officer of the Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) described the regional title as his ‘sweetest victory’ among his line-up of impressive tournament titles through the years.

“It was the first time I won a title representing Sarawak. Throughout my bodybuilding career, I have always been competing on behalf of the Armed Forces – never my home state, or at least until now.

“Nevertheless, I owe it all to RMAF for providing me that very first platform in bodybuilding. As much as I am overjoyed to have been able to represent and win for my home state, I will always be indebted to the force for giving me my first break,” the reigning Asian Masters champion told The Borneo Post here in a phone interview.

Moreover, the Sri Aman-born muscleman said with him retiring from the force by end of next year, there would be more opportunities for him to compete under the state’s banner.

“I assure all that you’ll see more of me then,” he quipped.

At the Kota Belud finals, Buda emerged triumphant in the 60.1-70kg, pushing Paijar Upau and Augustine Ekin from the hosting state to respective second and third place.

In the grand showdown, he was up against other category winners namely Hafez Azwan of Brunei (Under-60kg), Jauneh Leman of Sabah (70.1-80kg) and Remy Rahim Bungkal, also of Sabah (Above-80kg).

Sabah collected a tally of two gold, three silver and three bronze medals as well as the Best Poser Award through Jauneh to emerge this year’s overall champions.

Sarawak, on the other hand, made quite a decent comeback at Mr Borneo championships after a hiatus of four years.

Apart from Buda, Jeremiah Rukong (Above 80kg) took the silver while seasoned campaigner Suhardi Marzuki was fourth in the Under-60kg challenge.

The rest of the state squad – Donny Fam, Aisa Rosli, Wilfred Harding and Leopas Bunsu Saba – did not make the cut for the finals.