"I cannot go through a day without weightlifting," says Sazali

Although faced with a four-year ban from Sept 22 last year after testing positive for doping, the native of Batu Pahat hasn't been discouraged, and continues his daily routine to maintain his stamina and muscles.

Sazali, 48, was forced to comply with the punishment after the Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) said he tested positive for taking supplements containing banned substances in a doping test conducted on Sept 1, before the national contingent were to leave for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to participate in the 49th Asian Championships.

"I think all this is a test from God, and I abide by what happened, however, it does not dampen my enthusiasm to continue the sport of bodybuilding," he told reporters recently.

The 10-time 'Mr Universe' said as a result of the ban, he no longer received an athlete's allowance, supplementary food aid from the National Sports Council (MSN) as well as sports science assistance from the National Sports Institute.

Sazali said despite the long suspension, he had no plans to retire from the sport.

"After four years, I would have reached the age of 53, but it will not be an obstacle for me to continue contributing to the country, because many bodybuilders in their 60s from the Middle East are still able to keep their muscles well," he said.

According to Sazali, there were plans to file an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland, however, it would not be done in the near future as he wanted to focus on other things, as well as not aggravate the current situation.

He said he now served as a warden with MSN, and was very grateful to the country's main sports administration body.

"When there is free time, I still discipline myself with lifting weights up to four hours a day to maintain the body muscles," he said.

Sazali said he also appreciated bodybuilding sport fans for giving him encouragement every time he met them.

"They would ask me when am I going to compete again, and want to take a picture with me even though they knew I have been suspended for four years as a national athlete. I am touched by the moral support given by all the fans," he said.