Malaysia bags 4 gold at Asian Bodybuilding Championship

Team Malaysia concluded their impressive campaign at the 55th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Kathmandu, Nepal, with a remarkable haul of medals. The Malaysian team showcased their prowess and dedication, securing four gold, one silver, and three bronze medals over the course of the competition.

10th Asian Gold Medal

On the opening day of the championships, seasoned muscleman Buda Anchah secured the gold medal in the Men’s Masters Bodybuilding (Age Group 50-60) category, outshining competitors from South Korea and Thailand with sheer determination and his remarkable physique and experience. This impressive victory marked Buda Anchah’s 10th Asian gold medal, a noteworthy achievement for the retired Air Force officer who now runs a gym in Kota Samarahan.

“I was also the defending champion in the men’s Masters last year, so I’m grateful to contribute again to Malaysia,” said the proud Iban. “There is no prouder moment for us as an athlete when the Malaysian flag is raised.” The 51-year-old hailing from Sri Aman, had earlier also claimed the bronze in the men’s 65kg event, with Nepal’s Manoj Subedi and India’s Raju Khan taking the gold and silver medals, respectively.

Adding bronzes to Malaysia’s tally

Azri Asmat Sefri and Amin Rasuad Sidek added to Malaysia’s medal count by securing two more bronze medals on the first day of the competition. Fellow Sarawakian, Azri Asmat Sefri, clinched the bronze medal in the Men’s Bodybuilding 55kg category, finishing behind competitors from Vietnam and Nepal. Amin Rasuad Sidek also earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Bodybuilding 70kg category, while the gold and silver medals went to athletes from India and Myanmar, respectively.

Three more gold medals

The Malaysian team continued to excel on the second day of the competition, adding three more gold medals to their tally. Philomena Dexclyn Siar, Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, and Ahmad Faiz Ariffin each claimed gold medals, further solidifying Team Malaysia’s impressive performance.

Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah topped the Men’s Athletic Physique Up To 167cm event, showcasing his exceptional physique. His victory was celebrated as he outperformed athletes from the Maldives and India.

Ahmad Faiz Ariffin added another gold medal to Malaysia’s collection by winning the Men’s Athletic Physique Up To 175cm category. His outstanding performance earned him the top spot, with competitors from Thailand and South Korea securing the silver and bronze medals.

First Sarawakian woman to win gold

Philomena Dexclyn Siar made history as the first Sarawakian woman to clinch a title in the regional competition by winning the Women’s Sports Physique (Over 165cm) event. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she outperformed competitors from Vietnam and Thailand.

“I do feel blessed to have finally achieved what I have worked really hard for, which is getting my first gold medal in the Asian championships,” she said. “Now, I am all fired up for the world championships in South Korea this November.”

Dr. Malvern Abdullah also made Malaysia proud by securing the silver medal in the Men’s Athletic Physique Up To 160cm event. His impressive display was recognized as he finished second, with competitors from Thailand and the Maldives taking the gold and bronze medals.

Additionally, three other Malaysian athletes, Zmarul Al-Adam Pulutan Abdullah, Syed Faizal Syed Ali, and Muhamad Shaiful Hisyam Abd Aziz, achieved commendable results, placing in the Top 5 of their respective events.

Gathering of over 500 athletes from 25 countries

The 55th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships, organized by the Nepal Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation under the auspices of the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (ABBF) and sanctioned by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF), brought together over 500 athletes and officials representing 25 countries from across Asia.

The coveted title of ‘Mr. Asia 2023 Champion of Champions’ was claimed by Sarvanan Mani of India. India received recognition for their exceptional performance, earning the ‘Best Men’s Team’ award, while Thailand was honored with the ‘Best Women’s Team’ accolade.

Looking ahead, Batam is set to host the 56th edition of the Asian championships next year. Team Malaysia’s outstanding performance in Kathmandu has left a lasting mark and raised hopes for even more success at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Championships in South Korea in November.