Back in the reckoning
Syarul’s hoping fourth world title will land him the National Sportsman award
PETALING JAYA: Bodybuilder Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah is hoping his fourth World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) title will earn him a National Sportsman award.
The 47-year-old flexed his muscles to finish top of the podium at the 11th WBPF World Championships in Jeju, South Korea on Saturday.
The Kuala Lumpur local won his fifth Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship title in Batam, Indonesia last month.
The last bodybuilder to win the National Sportsman award was Sazali Samad who won it in 2000.
After being nominated for the award since 2016, Syarul hopes to get the nod this year.
“I have been nominated for three consecutive times for the National Sportsman award, so I really hope I can win it this time,” said Syarul.
“I know bodybuilding is not under Podium (programme) or any other national programmes ... but a win for sports like bodybuilding will inspire other athletes from less famous sports to strive harder for excellence.”
Syarul said his fourth world title gave him the biggest scare as the winter cold of Jeju Island left him breathless before the competition but his coach Othman Yahya’s advice saved the day.
“The cold weather really affected me. I was having trouble breathing and my core temperature was dropping as I was getting ready in the backstage area for the first round,” said the former footballer.
“I even thought I was dying, my coach was putting the toner on my chest and he said my chest was very cold. I told him I can’t breathe well and maybe I was dying ... he rubbished my remark and asked me to quickly warm up.
“I’m glad that everything went well after that scare ... I had competed in a cold environment before in Mongolia but they had heating in the venue.
“But this time there were no heaters and we were close to the beach and the competition is during winter.”
Syarul added that the win was his way of thanking the people who have supported his career as he faced a lot of difficulties this year.
“I had a bad year with my finance but a lot of people helped me and I can’t thank them enough for their help. My friends and family have been my number one supporters,” said Syarul.
“I also need to thank the National Sports Council (NSC), Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad and the Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for their support too.”