Malvern, Buda on the way forward for bodybuilding

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(From right) Buda, gold medallist Mohd Syahrul Azman Mahen from Kuala Lumpur and Malvern display their prizes at KLIA upon returning from the recent Mr World 2017 Championships.

MIRI: Sarawak has the potential to be a world-class powerhouse in bodybuilding as long as its junior bodybuilders have the right training, diet and determination.

Mr World 2017 silver medallist Malvern Abdullah said there are many good young bodybuilders in the state. He believes they can go far if they have these ingredients and strong support from the government.

“My advice to the junior bodybuilders is to train, eat and rest right – there is no shortcut to success. Never give up – quitters never win and winners never quit,” Malvern said when contacted on Sunday.

The sport is very expensive, he noted, and the government could come in with sponsorships, support and training facilities.

Fellow national bodybuilder Buda Anchah is in agreement with Malvern.

Buda, who finished fourth and fifth in the Masters and lightweight categories respectively in recent Mr World, said the new generation of Sarawak bodybuilders must have the interest and discipline, while subscribing to systematic training.

“Stay away from banned steroids; observe proper dieting, training and intake of supplements to achieve good results,” he advised.

The veteran also stressed the importance of the government, especially the Youth and Sports Ministry, in supporting the sport which has a glorious history in Sarawak since the 1960s.

He called on all parties to assist and support the bodybuilders in various ways, including funding, for them to become world-class athletes.