KUCHING, Feb 14: Sarawak’s veteran national bodybuilder Buda Anchah, 51, intends to retire from the sport after competing in two more international events.
According to a press statement issued today by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), the Sarawak-born muscleman is currently preparing for the 55th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2023 in Kathmandu in July and the 2023 Korea AGP (Asian Grand Prix) Pro in Seoul in October.
Buda informed Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas of this during a courtesy call at the latter’s office today.
The visit also served as an opportunity for him to express his appreciation for Uggah’s assistance and support over the years.
“Buda, who has been involved in bodybuilding sports for over three decades, is now a part-time instructor for the Sarawak Sports Council (SSC).
“He also runs his own gymnasium at Uni Square in Kota Samarahan, which Uggah assisted in establishing.
“He has about 100 registered members, including students and members of the general public,” the press statement said.
Buda honoured the country last year when he won the gold medal in the Master Men’s Bodybuilding Open Category (50-60 years old) at the 13th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships.
At the same tournament, he also won a bronze medal in the Mixed Pairs category. The bodybuilder has also competed in 29 international competitions and earned 13 first-place finishes.
Meanwhile, Uggah stated that Buda’s commitment to sports and his accomplishments were worthy of emulation by the younger generation.
“He is a living example of what can be achieved if one is prepared to dedicate, sacrifice, and commit himself to the disciplines of sports,” he said. — DayakDaily
