Ten times Mr Universe title winner Sazali Abd Samad who was crowned National Sportsman of the Year last night is out to prove that age will not be a barrier in his quest for a 11th Mr Universe title.
Sazali, 47, crowned 2014 Sportsman of the Year for the fourth time said he would work extra hard to lay a claim for his 11th Mr Universe title at the World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand from Nov 15-21.
Sazali, a sub-inspector in the police force had also won the award in 2006, 2010 and 2013, thus giving bodybuilding a podium finish yet again since Datuk Malek Noor set the tone by winning the award in 1986.
The cop is no stranger to titles since he has won the Mr Universe title a record 10 times, the last being the World Body Building Championship in Mumbai, India, last December.
Apart from winning the Mr Universe title, the Batu Pahat born bodybuilder also showed his class at the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championships in Macau last year.
"This award will motivate me to continue working hard for success. This success did not come the easy way since hard work, a high level of commitment, discipline and physical condition is needed," he had said after receiving his title from Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday.
"I will do my best with my ability and the support from the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute."
Sazali has won the Mr Universe title in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010,2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 plus the Mr Asia title eight times, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014.
The sub-inspector will also be hoping to win his fifth gold medal at the World Police and Fire Games in Virginia, United States from June 26 to July 5, after having bagged gold medals in 1995, 2003, 2005 and 2007.
Bernama
Wed Apr 29 2015
Apart from winning the Mr Universe title, the Batu Pahat born bodybuilder also showed his class at the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championships in Macau last year. - File Photo
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.