Veteran Sarawak bodybuilder to take part in two competitions before calling it a day

KUCHING: Sarawak's veteran national bodybuilder Buda Anchah plans to take part in two more international competitions before calling it a day.

Buda, 51, is currently preparing for the 55th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2023 in Kathmandu in July and the 2023 Korea AGP (Asian Grand Prix) Pro in Seoul in October.

He conveyed his plans to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah during a courtesy call on Tuesday (Feb 14), as well as his gratitude for Uggah's assistance and support over the years.

Buda, who has been a bodybuilder for more than 30 years, was also a part-time instructor with the Sarawak Sports Council.

In addition, he operates a gym at Uni Square, Kota Samarahan, which Uggah had helped him to set up.

"The gym has about 100 members comprising students and the public," he said.

Buda has taken part in 29 international competitions to date, winning first place in 13 of them.

Last year he won the gold medal in the master men's open category (50-60 years old) at the 13th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships and a bronze in the mixed pairs category at the same tournament.

Uggah said Buda's dedication to the sport and his achievements were worthy of emulation by the new generation.

"He is a living example of what one can achieve if one is prepared to dedicate and sacrifice oneself to the discipline of sports," he said.