From Mr Miri to Mr Sarawak — Maskabi Kaba
MIRI: Maskabi Kaba, the fourtime Mr Miri, outshone six other contenders to clinch the coveted ‘Champion of Champions’ title at last weekend’s 52nd Mr Sarawak bodybuilding championships at Boulevard Shopping Mall here.
It was a first state crown for the 36- year- old Miri Hospital personnel who had earlier won the lightweight category.
“This is really surreal. I can’t even say it’s a dream come true because I’ve never even dreamt of winning this title. I have to thank my father Kabar Eni for pushing me into bodybuilding, my family especially my wife Zailatul Asmah Sulaini for their love and hardcore support, my colleagues, as well as all my friends and supporters from 360 Gym,” said Maskabi, who made his competitive debut at Mr Fitness Miri 2012.
His win earned him a spot in the Sarawak contingent for Mr Malaysia 2017, which will be taking place at Puchong in Selangor from May 18 to 21.
On this, Maskabi hopes that he and his team-mates would receive funding from the government and corporate sponsors to cover the preparation costs for Mr Malaysia 2017.
“Preparations are very expensive, especially with us aiming to give a good fight in Puchong. We would appreciate all the support that we could get,” he said.
Overall, Kuching Zone was named ‘ Best Contingent’ for excel ling in seven out of 11 categories including Athletics Physique Under- 170cm and Masters categories through Mohd Faizal Mat Rashid and Zulazman Mohamad Bujang, respectively.
Additional ly, Mohd Faizal Bojing of Miri was chosen by the judges as the ‘Best Poser’ for his entertaining solo routine on stage.
Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his opening remarks, commended Mir iD iv is ion Body building Association ( PBBBM) for hosting the 52nd edition of the state-level tournament this year.
“I grew up with names like Bujang Taha and Soloman Es man to, our very own bodybuilding legends.
“So seeing all the musclemen here today reminds us all that Sarawak is never short of potential talents in bodybuilding even after more than 50 years.
“We have this crop of new athletes who will hold the torch later on but having said this, it is our (ministry’s) and also the associations’ responsibility to make sure that this succession plan would continue its momentum. For us at the ministry, we strive to render our support – you are assured of this,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) president Dato Wee Hong Seng expressed his appreciation to Abdul Karim for the latter’s allout support in sports development in Sarawak.
“You have always been handsdown and hands- on in major sports events in Sarawak, most significantly when the state hosted the Malaysia Games and the National Paralympics last year, as well as the recent Celcom-Axiata Malaysia Open 2017 badminton championships.
“Now, you are present for our event and for that, we thank you.”
Wee also took the opportunity to announce the proposal to host an Asean- level bodybuilding tournament by the end of this year.
“The name ( for the proposed tournament) is ‘ Bujang Taha Classic’ — in honour of our very own bodybuilding legend, the late two-time Mr Asia Bujang Taha. So to the athletes, be prepared for this competition.
The working paper (on Bujang Taha Classic), as I understand it, is now being reviewed in Putrajaya,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, PBBBM president Jamilah Ibrahim said the hosting job for the annual Mr Sarawak championships signi fied the rise in awareness of not only the sport, but also of health and fitness among Mirians.
“This is inspired by the call by the government for all Malaysians to embrace sports and recreational activities as a culture.
“In this regard, we would like to thank the government, specifically the Miri City Council on its part in providing various facilities like parks and open exercise grounds for the local community to run their sports and recreational activities,” she said.
Deputy Miri Mayor Julaihi Mohamad and Sibu Division Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Association ( SDBWA) president Chia Soon Cheong were also present as guests.