Mr Universe Sazali settles for silver on wedding anniversary

Despite having to settle for the silver at the 27th SEA Games here on his 14th wedding anniversary, Saturday, it does not dampen the spirit of nine-time Mr Universe Sazali Abd Samad.

Sazali, who was beaten by Vietnam's Nguyen Van Lam for the gold in the 70kg category, said he was still happy that he could still contribute a silver to Malaysia as well presented it as a gift for his wife on their wedding anniversary.

The bronze went to Indonesia's Edoardus Apcowo.

"I accept the jury's decision as final, this is the culmination of my three-week preparation for the SEA Games.

"To me, the gold medal winner deserves it. I could see his strength and physique. Calculations made by the jury are very important and I accept their decision even though I craved for the gold," the 46-year-old policeman told reporters here.

Also present was Sazali's wife, Hashrine Hashim.

Meanwhile, team manager Abdul Halim Budin also accepted the jury's decision and hoped two other national bodybuilders, Buda Anchah (80kg category) and Wong Ngai Hoeng (90kg) could deliver the gold.

"The decision is final and we have to accept it. There is up and down in bodybuilding, one will not be able to maintain his form forever," said Abdul Halim.

Two other national bodybuilders, Mohamad Naim Ponngoh (55kg) and Muhammad Roszaimi Abdul Rani (60kg) failed to win any medal as they finished seventh and fifth respectively.