SERIAN, March 5: It was a fruitful maiden attempt for Azli Suhaili, 31, who won the Above-168cm category of the inaugural Mr Badan Cantik Serian 2019 here last Saturday.
The car salesman outflexed the other finalists, with Arif Azhan Mohd Ghazali and Risduan Hussain finishing first and second runners-up, respectively. All three are from Kuching.
“It was an unexpected win, seeing that I have only been in this sport in just over one year. Still, this is a very encouraging feat, and I strive to be better going forward,” said Azli when met after the competition.
The event was organised by Iron Hardcore Bodybuilding Club Kota Samarahan (BBIC) in collaboration with Pertubuhan Islam Gabungan Amal (PER3) — the organiser of the inaugural Serian International Bike Week that took place at Tasik Danu over the weekend.
According to Azli, the experience gained from the Serian competition would help him prepare for the Kuching selection, ahead of Mr Sarawak 2019 championships, to be held in Kuching soon.
“I am excited for the Kuching selection, where I would enter the Athletic Physique – 170cm and Above category,” he said in a statement issued by Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA).
In the Under-168cm category, young muscleman Erwin Stephen emerged the winner after beating top contenders Hamizul Jahwi from Kuching and Muhamad Zarudin Nawi from Kota Samarahan.
The 24-year-old, who works as a manufacturing technician in Samajaya, said the Serian event was his fifth participation in competitions since he first entered the sport back in 2017.
According to BBIC president Zulkarnain Abdullah, representatives of PER3 had first approached the club and enquired about the possibility of holding an event that could make the festival more lively and exciting.
“Seeing that we have done ‘big bikers’-themed bodybuilding competitions several times, we agreed to it immediately, with a blessing from SBBA president Dato Wee Hong Seng.
“We’re also happy not only because this is the first competition of its kind for Serian Division but it’s also the first competition that opens Sarawak’s bodybuilding season this year.
“We are very encouraged,” said Zulkarnain, who is also a big bike enthusiast and a seasoned bodybuilding judge certified by the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation.
The three-day Serian International Bike Week 2019 concluded on Sunday (March 3). — DayakDaily
