BODYBUILDING: It's gym for all

Date: 22-06-2005 Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamMalaysia

WE might be looking at a future where there is a gym in every kampung.
According to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, the only way body-building is going reach rural areas – is to have facilities for the sports to grow.

“The introduction of Gymnasium Rakyat are among the Government’s steps in developing the sport,” said Azalina after visiting the Jungle Gym at National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil where the national body building squad trains.

“There are many young Malaysians interested in the sport.

“Its just that we lack the facilities for them to get involved, ” said Azalina, who met the only two national body builders in the country today – Sazali Mohd Samad and Liaw Teck Leong at the gym.

“Body building is a sport where we can excel because we have had previous stars like Malek Noor, while Sazali is our current Mr Universe (bantam weight) ,” added Azalina on the lack of national body-builders.

Both Sazali and Teck Leong will be competing in the 23rd SEA Games in Manila in November and next year’s Asian Games in Doha.

Malaysia Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF) have targeted Sazali to win gold in both competitions in his category, while Teck Leong has been ear-marked to win silver medals in the light-middleweight category.

Azalina also said the two who do not have a coach will in all probability get a foreign coach soon.

The last national coach was Abdul Aziz Ahmad who retired at the end of last year.

Before Abdul Aziz, it was Roland Fung who coached in the 80s.

“I understand working without a coach is difficult. Now their request to have a coach and equipment will be looked into,” said Azalina.

Both bodybuilders might also be sent to train overseas if a foreign coach cannot be found soon.