Syarul glad he can finally flex his muscles at SEA Games

Reigning world champion Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah is happy that bodybuilding is making a comeback in the SEA Games after a lapse of eight years.

Hosts Vietnam have not only listed bodybuilding as one of the 36 sports in their programme for next year’s SEA Games from Nov 21-Dec 2 and it is learnt that they will offer 10 events, five more than what was contested at the 2013 Myanmar SEA Games.

Malaysian bodybuilders delivered one gold, one silver and one bronze medals at the 2013 Myanmar SEA Games.

“It’s great to hear that the sport is back and out of the 10 that they plan to host, two are in the women category. This is really good for the sport in the region,” said Syarul, who clinched his fourth consecutive world and fifth Asian titles last year.

Although he is the reigning world champion, Syarul expects a tough challenge from the Vietnamese, who were runners-up in the men’s athletic physique up to 167cm event.

“Vietnam have good bodybuilders in their ranks, that’s why they are offering a lot of events.

“Myanmar had five events but I was unlucky as my event was scrapped.

“I hope Vietnam will list my event or at least offer the Under-70kg category which I can participate.

“I’m confident of winning the gold medal although there will be strong challenge from Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.”

The year 2020 has been disastrous for the 47-year-old Syarul.

He had turned down an offer to coach Macau as he felt that he had few good years in him but unfortunately, all the competitions, including the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation and the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship, that he had hoped to compete in, were cancelled.

“It’s really depressing not to be able to compete this year and it has obviously affected my income as well,” said Syarul.

“There’s nothing much I can do at this time except to maintain my fitness and continue working as a personal fitness trainer,” he added.