KUALA LUMPUR: Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah could well be the oldest athlete on the stage when he flexes his muscles at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Gangwon, South Korea, from Nov 6-12.
The 50-year-old reigning world champion won the men's athletic physique (up to 167cm) title for the sixth time in the Asian Bodybuilding And Physique Sports Championships in Nepal on Sept 5.
Though the former Kuala Lumpur footballer conceded that age is catching up, he believes he is in the best shape to defend his world title which he won in Phuket last year.
"I will attempt to win the world title for the sixth time. I have prepared well and since the Asian Championships were held just two months ago, I'm still in good shape, perhaps even in the best condition because I have not stopped training," said Syarul who won the world title in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.
"I have also continued dieting from September, so I'm in peak condition. It's not easy to maintain my body condition, as I grow older it gets tougher.
"Honestly, I have been thinking of retiring and letting new athletes take my place.
"This sport needs a lot of dedication and sacrifice, I'm willing to guide the new generation of Malaysian bodybuilders. I believe we need to nurture new talent to fly our flag, we need to encourage more people to take up this sport.
"I see a lot of countries are catching up with us with their young talent. It's getting tougher going against these young guns being the oldest guy in the competition."
Syarul said he hopes to return with his sixth world title as a Deepavali present for his mother.
"We will return from Gangwon on Nov 12 which is Deepavali Day. My mother will prepare a Deepavali feast for the family and I hope to come back with the title to make the celebration extra special," said Syarul.