KUCHING: Bodybuilder Buda Anchah could not contain his excitement over promises of National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) incentives for him and fellow team-mates in recognition of their achievement at the just-concluded 10th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Chiangmai, last week.
The former Royal Malaysian Air Force officer said the incentive pledge was conveyed to him by Malaysia Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF) honorary secretary Kamaruzaman Kadir soon after the Malaysian contingent’s arrival at klia2 on Monday.
Buda was among seven national athletes who competed in the Chiangmai outing, organised by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sport Federation (WBPF), where they brought home four gold medals, one silver and two bronze.
He collected the gold and the silver medals from the Masters (Age 40-49 Years) and Lightweight (70kg) events, respectively.
“I was touched by this news, and also the grand reception at klia2, especially with Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman coming to greet us.
“I was made to understand that every medal contributor in Chiangmai would receive the incentive.
“It also made me very excited to hear his (Syed Saddiq’s) proposal to re-include bodybuilding in the SEA Games next year. We thank him for that,” Buda told reporters during the homecoming ceremony at Kuching International Airport (KIA) Monday night.
He and fellow comrade Dr Malvern Abdullah were welcomed by Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) sports development division manager Ahmad Rodzli Hashim, who came on behalf of Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) director Dr Ong Kong Swee who is also SSC chief executive officer.
Buda conveyed his gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sport Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Dr Ong as they were responsible getting assistance from MSNS and SSC for him.
He also thanked SBBA president Datuk Wee Hong Seng for his guidance and encouragement.
Nevertheless, in view of his 25 years in the sport, Buda also expressed his hope that the Sarawak government would acknowledge his contributions as well as from his comrades in bringing pride to the state.
“In my 25 years in this sport, I have proven that bodybuilding can contribute medals to Malaysia in international competitions. We have done it many times,” he said.
When contacted, Snowdan acknowledged that Buda and his fellow elite bodybuilding athletes should be given annual grants to compete in international championships.
“Yes, this matter has also been brought up by SBBA.
“I’m so proud of Buda and his team-mates. I believe that the request for funding is justified in that their performance in international competitions has been very consistent over the past several years.
“We need to acknowledge these high-performing athletes. We will definitely be looking into this. I will convey this subject matter to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah,” said Snowdan.
