KUCHING, Jan 7: Renowned Sarawak bodybuilder Buda Anchah can be the state’s youth icon, suggests Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
He said with Buda’s outstanding achievements at the Asian and world levels, he is certainly in the position to inspire youths to be go-getters.
“I want him to be an icon for our youths. He is one of our most successful sportsmen. lt is not easy to reach his level of achievements without the right discipline, commitment and mental fortitude,” said Uggah after receiving a courtesy call from Buda at his office here today.
Buda, 47, a retired Warrant Officer One with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), won first place in the Men’s Master Bodybuilding 40-49 Years 80kg category in the 10th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Chiangmai, Thailand, last month.
He also came in second in the Men’s Bodybuilding 70kg category at the same championship.
Uggah said Buda could hold motivational talks targeted at students and sportsmen.
“On the part of the state government, we will see what we can do for him to help him advance further in his sport to bring more glory to the state,” Uggah assured.
Buda, from Sri Aman, took up bodybuilding when he was a TUDM recruit in 1994.
Over the years, he has also taken part in four Asian-level events and one SEA Games competition.
For this year, he is eyeing the Asian Bodybuilding Championships in October in Cambodia and the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Seoul, South Korea, in November.
“If bodybuilding is included in the Manila SEA Games this year, I will prepare for it too,” he said.
On his other plans, he dreams of setting up a gymnasium either here or in Kota Samarahan.
“I want to pass on the knowledge, skills and experience I have gained to our youths. More importantly, I want to warn them of the dangers of taking illegal performance-enhancing drugs and steroids in the sport.
“Bodybuilding is a very popular sport among our youths nowadays,” he shared.
One can achieve superb physique without resorting to drugs and steroids, through hard, proper training and careful diet, he asserted. — DayakDaily
