DCM picks bodybuilder Buda as Sarawak youth icon
KUCHING: Sarawak’s very own world- class bodybuilder Buda Anchah has been personally picked by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to serve as an icon for Sarawak youths.
Uggah pointed out that with his numerous and outstanding achievements at world championships as well as at Asian level, 47-year-old Buda is certainly in the position to inspire youths to move forward and take charge of their own future.
“I want him to be an icon for our youths. He is one of our most successful athletes.
“It is not easy to reach this level of achievement without the right discipline, commitment and mental fortitude,” he said after receiving Buda at his office in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex here yesterday.
Buda, a retired Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Warrant I officer who hails from Sri Aman, recently proved that age is nothing but a number after winning first place at the 10th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in the Men’s Masters (Age 40-49, Up to 80kg) category last month.
He also came in second in the Men’s Bodybuilding Lightweight (70kg) category at the same event, which was held in Chiangmai, Thailand. Uggah suggested that Buda, as a sports icon, could play a role in inspiring many people by holding motivational talks.
“He can have a big impact on motivating not only our students, but also our athletes.”
The deputy chief minister also noted that the Sarawak government would look into ways to help Buda advance further in his sport career so as to bring more pride and glory to Sarawak and the country.
Meanwhile, Buda is currently eyeing gold in this year’s Asian bodybuilding championships to be held in Cambodia, most likely in October, as well as the next world championships to be held in Seoul, Korea possibly in November.
“If bodybuilding is included in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, the Philippines, I would prepare for that too,” he disclosed.
On serving as a sports icon for the youths, Buda – who took up bodybuilding since he was a TUDM recruit in 1994 – hoped to be able to pass on to the younger generation the knowledge, skills and experiences that he had gained over the years.
“More importantly, I want to warn them about the dangers of taking illegal performance enhancing drugs and steroids in sports.”
He also shared on his dreams of setting up a gymnasium, either in Kuching or in Kota Samarahan.
“Bodybuilding is a very popular sport among our youths nowadays, particularly with gymnasium facilities easily available across the state, even in the rural areas.
“I am hoping to show that through disciplined, proper training and careful diet, anyone can achieve a superb physique without resorting to illegal drugs and steroids,” he stressed.
I want him to be an icon for our youths. He is one of our most successful athletes. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas�� Deputy Chief Minister