KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah has challenged his bodybuilders to retain their gold medals at the World Championships in Chengdu, China, next year.
The bodybuilders had returned home with a sensational haul of three golds, three silvers and two bronzes from the World Championships in Maldives last week.
Zmarul Al Adam Pulutan Abdullah (men's bodybuilding 80kg), Ahmad Faiz Ariffin (men's athletics physique up to 175cm) and Philomena Dexclyn Anak Siar (women's sports physique 165cm) all won gold medals.
The silver medals were delivered by Dr Malvern Abdullah (men's athletics physique up to 160cm), Amin Rasuad Sidek (men's bodybuilding 65kg) and Philomena (women's Sports Physique 165cm).
The bronze medals were won by Azri Asmat Sefri (men's bodybuilding 55kg) and Nazri Pulong (men's master bodybuilding age 40-49 up to 80kg).
Six-time world champion Syarul said that he was proud of his charges' achievements, and that their hard work has paid off.
"I think this is the first time we have returned with three gold medals from the World Championships.
"It proves that Malaysia can still produce world champions," said the 2023 Sportsman of the Year.
"Now we need to repeat this feat at the next World Championships to prove that this is not beginner's luck or a fluke win. I believe our athletes can achieve it because they have a good attitude in training."
Syarul said that the heat in the Maldives was high and the bodybuilders
faced dehydration risk during the competition.
"We had 10 athletes competing in Maldives and only two coaches, with me and Buddha Ancha to guide them. It was tough with the weather condition as the athletes were dehydrating.
"During competition days, the athletes cut water intake but with the high heat, it can cause health issues.
"On top of that, the body lotion was melting away due to the island heat and we had to keep applying."