Arif, Azri come out tops at Mr Boulevard 2019

0

Arif (right) and Azri strike their winning poses for the camera. Photo by Royston Emmor

KUCHING: Arif Azhan Mohamad Ghazali and Muhamad Azri Nazaruddin emerged winners of their respective categories at the annual Mr Boulevard 2019, staged on the Atrium of Boulevard Shopping Mall here earlier today (Aug 3).

Arif was triumphant in the Physique 170cm-Below category, where he edged Adzli Suhaili and A Januri to their respective runner-up spots.

The 22-year-old won the same category at the annual Mr Sarawak championships, held in Sibu late last month.

This victory earned Arif a spot in the Sarawak team bound for Mr Malaysia 2019, set to take place in Kota Kinabalu this Aug 15-18.

Arif, flanked by Adzli (left) and Januri, seen in a photo-call after the prize presentation.

“I am so happy that the plan, which I had laid out last year, has worked out quite nicely.

“It’s always been my dream to go for Mr Malaysia. Of course, this (Mr Boulevard) victory is a sweet achievement as well. I’m truly blessed,” Arif told The Borneo Post here today.

Meanwhile in the Physique 170cm-Above category, 23-year-old Azri outflexed Wilman Tan and Sebastian Kaboi to clinch the crown.

Each category winner took home RM1,000, while the first and second runner-up bagged RM500 and RM300, respectively.

This year, the competition attracted 18 athletes from across Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions.

Azri, Tan (left) and Sebastian (right) strike their poses for the camera.

Organised by Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) in collaboration with the mall, Borneo Bodybuilding Supplement (BBS) and Liansin, the event was held as one of the activities slated for Boulevard Health Week 2019, which concludes tomorrow.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the opening ceremony, where he was accompanied by SBBA president Dato Wee Hong Seng, Boulevard functions and marketing manager Chin Sze King, and BBS director Adrian Wong.

Prior to the start of the competition, the SBBA called for a one-minute silence in memory of former Mr Sarawak champion, the late Wilfred Harding, who passed away on July 8 this year.
Later, Dr Sim presented tokens of remembrance and donations to the widow, Yvonne Campbell.