Minister thinks bodybuilder can be youth icon
KUCHING: Renowned bodybuilder, Buda Anchah, can be Sarawak sports youth icon.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said with his numerous outstanding achievements at the world and Asian-level competitions, Buda was certainly in a position to inspire them to progress in their
respective endeavours.
He said this after receiving a courtesy call from Buda at his office, here, yesterday.
In December last year, 47-year-old Buda, a retired Warrant Officer One with the Royal Malaysia Air Force (TUDM), won first place in the Men’s Master Bodybuilding, 40-49 years old up to 80kg category, in the 10th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Chiangmai, Thailand.
He also came second in the 70kg category at the same
championship.
“I want him to be an icon for our youths. He is one of our most successful sportsmen. It is not easy to reach his level of achievements without the right discipline, commitment and mental fortitude,” said Uggah.
“He can give motivational talks to our students and of course our 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 us.”
Buda from Sri Aman takes up bodybuilding as a TUDM recruit in 1994.
He had also taken part in four Asian-level contests and one SEA Games competition.
For this year, he is eyeing the next Asian Bodybuilding Championships in October in Cambodia and the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Seoul, Korea in November.
“If bodybuilding is included in the Manila SEA Games this year, I will prepare for it too,” he was quoted as saying.
On his other plan, he dreams of setting up a gymnasium either here or in Kota Samarahan.
“I want to pass on my knowledge, skill and experience to our youths. More importantly, I want to warn them on the dangers of taking illegal performance enhancing drugs and steroids in the sports. Bodybuilding is a very popular sport among our youths nowadays,” he said.
“Gymnasiums are available in most places even in rural areas. One can achieve superb physique without resorting to drugs and steroids but through hard proper training and careful diet.”
