Bodybuilders Sazali and Liaw for Asiad

PETALING JAYA: Missing out on a chance to bag a medal in the last Asian Games in Busan four years ago has only made bodybuilder Sazali Samad more determined to achieve glory in Doha next month.

Sazali and Liaw Teck Leong have been named to carry the nation's hopes for medals in bodybuilding for the Asian Games, which will be held in Doha from Dec 1-15.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) approved two bodybuilders to go under category A earlier. 

Teck Leong was the silver medallist in the 85kg weight category in Busan four years ago.

Sazali, who will compete in the 65kg weight category, did not compete in Busan because he had to serve out a six-month suspension by the Asian Bodybuilding Federation for appearing in a dietary supplement advertisement.

"Having waited for four years to earn a place in the Asian Games, I will try my best to get the gold medal," he said.

It may be the fasting month but Sazali has no plans to scale down training.

The 39-year-old Sazali will also bid to win a third 'Mr Universe' title in the world amateur bodybuilding championship in Czech Republic from Oct 27-30. 

"Training continues as usual because of these two upcoming competitions. I have to reduce about six kilograms off my body weight before leaving for Cezch Republic. 

"The fasting month is ideal but I have to watch out for my water intake and calories."

Sazali is a four-time Mr Asia and won his Mr Universe title in 2000, which saw him named as the National Sportsman of the Year. 

He took his second Mr Universe title in Shanghai two years later.