15th Asian Games Doha 2006/Bodybuilding: ‘Games medal more important’

NATIONAL bodybuilder Sazali Samad may be gunning for his third Mr Universe title in the Czech Republic but, more importantly, will be using the event in Ostrava on Oct 26-30 to boost his gold medal hope in the Asian Games.

"Although, it will be a big achievement to win my third Mr Universe title, it will mean nothing if I fail in Doha," said Sazali, who will be competing in the bantamweight category (65kg) in the World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.

Sazali is giving priority to the Asian Games because he wants to make amends and repay the country after failing to compete in the 2002 Busan Games due to a suspension which was imposed by Asian Bodybuilding Federation for appearing in a dietary supplement advertisement.

"It was painful to watch the team go without me to Busan. All the hard work was wasted because of my ignorance," said Sazali.

"A lot of money was spent on me to prepare for the Busan assignment but I disappointed my country. I want to erase that bad memory in Doha," added Sazali, who also won the Mr Universe bantamweight category (65kg) title in 2000 and 2004.

In Ostrava, Sazali will get a good chance to gauge the current form of Asian bodybuilders he will come up against in Doha.

"I heard that athletes from Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and the Middle Eastern countries have been training very hard for the Asian Games," he disclosed.

However, Sazali believes he is in better shape now to win both the world meet and Asian Games titles.

"My two-week training stint in California last month with trainer Milos Sarcev has worked wonders for me. His training methods was something I have not experienced before but it worked as my body is more defined now.

"Before heading back, Sarcev gave me a strict nutrition and training programme to follow."

But Sazali, in order to compete in the bantamweight category at the world meet, must reduce his present weight by three kilogrammes.

"I am controlling my diet and taking less salt. I should be able to reduce my weight before the tournament," said Sazali, who will be leaving to the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

On his chances, Sazali said competition will be stiff as athletes from Egypt, Brazil, United States, Spain and from the host country were equally good.