KUCHING: Retired Warrant Officer Buda Anchah and Dr Malvern Abdullah were treated to a thunderous welcome by a large contingent of family, friends, fellow bodybuilders and admirers.
With a warm embrace and a peck on the cheek from his loving wife Manhani Lijau, Buda the newly–crowned champion in the Masters category of the 10th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Chiangmai, did not pay much attention to the fanfare and the waiting press.
Instead, he was eager to embrace his children and teammates before posing for photographs upon the urging of his fans and the local press corps covering the event.
Buda and Malvern were also treated to VVIP welcome by a large group of supporters and well-wishers led by Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman at klia2 on Monday afternoon.
Together, the duo contributed three medals to the overall Malaysian team and Buda’s gold medal was the icing on the cake for the national contingent this year. The minister had indicated to the national athletes that a review of the quantum for incentives is underway and there is a possibility that Buda and Malvern might receive a lucrative cash prize from the federal government.
In the past, the incentive for gold was RM20,000 and silver, RM10,000. The rumour is that this incentive may be increased to RM80,000.
However, all will be known soon, as the minister is expected to make the announcement on the review for the cash incentives soon.
Buda is given to believe that the announcement may be made within two weeks or even sooner.
The Sarawak government doesn’t have a standardised cash incentive scheme and incentives are usually given on a piecemeal basis. Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) secretary Andy Ismail confirmed that there would be an incentive given but the amount would be decided later and was subject to the financial situation of the association.
He stressed that the state should have a similar cash incentive program as the federal government. These incentives do not enrich the athletes but only supplement their expenses.
SBBA vice president George Awi agreed that the cost for an average athlete just on food alone could be anywhere between RM3,500 and RM5,000 a month.
“It is an expensive sport and a demanding one as well,” he said.
Malaysia won four gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the annual event. Malvern when met said: “His experience and leading by example made the difference and after his win the rest of the team was fired up.”
Buda will be continuing his career and expects to make it to next year’s final in Seoul, South Korea as well. His ‘holy grail’ being the elusive Open category title, and this motivation will keep him going.
Meanwhile, he continues to help nurture the next generation of athletes like Mr Sarawak Wilfred Harding who is regarded the natural replacement for Buda when he decides to call it a day.
Even if he retires from active competition, he plans to continue his services to the Sarawak Sports Corporation and continue to contribute to bodybuilding and sports in general.
