Nabawan-born muscleman claims gold at World Police, Fire Games in LA
KOTA KINABALU: It was a triumphant debut for lancecorporal Zmarul Al Adam Pulutan Abdullah at the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2017 in California, USA recently.
The 26-year-old who hails from Kampung Murni C in Nabawan picked up the gold medal in the 165-172cm Category of the 18-29 Age Division during the finals staged at Los Angeles Convention Centre last weekend.
“It seems that 2017 is my year, having clinched the Under-70kg “Champion of Champions” title at the Mr Malaysia 2017 championships in May. Bagging the gold in Los Angeles is simply the cherry on the cake,” he told The Borneo Post during a phone interview.
Zmarul also took the opportunity to dedicate the win to his wife Zmazanariah Hanum Madin and also his coach, veteran bodybuilder Othman Yahya.
“It's a bit sad that coach Othman could not be with us in Los Angeles due to injuries sustained in a recent accident. He is our inspiration and key motivator. We pray for his speedy recovery and this win is dedicated to him,” he added.
Zmarul was among four Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) athletes competing in WPFG 2017. Team-mate corporal Ismadi Riji also staged an excellent show by clinching the Champion of Champions title of the Men's Bodybuilding 30-39 Age Division.
Earlier, the 38-year-old Kuching-born bodybuilder claimed the 172-179cm category.
The other two, sergeant Mohayan Rosmani and lancecorporal Mohd Aliff Firdaus Alias took home the bronze from the 172-179cm (40 Years and Above) and 165-172cm (3039 Age Division) categories, respectively.
The biennial WPFG began as the Police Olympics in San Diego, California in 1967 founded by San Diego Police captain Veon “Duke” Nyhus.
It grew tremendously after that, with the inclusion of athletes from Fire and Rescue Department.
The event went global in 1985, during the San Jose Games in California. Typically, the WPFG would be hosted in major cities across the US and Canada, but Australia, Sweden and Spain had organised the Games as well.
It is learnt that the 2019 edition will take place in Chengdu, China.