KUALA LUMPUR – In the realm of bodybuilding, where perseverance meets unyielding strength, Datuk Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, casually known as Mike Mahen, refuses to relent in his pursuit of bringing glory to Malaysia on the global stage.
At the age of 50, Syarul exhibits no signs of slowing down; instead, he is crafting a narrative that transcends conventional limits, becoming a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of aspiring athletes.
Fresh off his triumphant sixth victory at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Wonju, South Korea, where he dominated the 167 cm and above athletic physique category, Syarul shared with Scoop the sacrifices behind his remarkable achievement.
“It was never easy for me to be a world champion at the age of 50, competing against top young athletes worldwide.
“It was a battle between my mind and body, requiring sacrifices in family time, rigorous gym sessions, meticulous meal preparations of high-protein and low-carb diets, adequate rest, and maintaining a strong mental focus,” he said.
Acknowledging the fleeting thoughts of surrender for a taste of family life and favourite indulgences like nasi kandar, Syarul’s love for his country easily prevailed.
“My commitment to bringing glory to Malaysia overshadowed momentary desires.
“With the hunger to clinch more championships for my nation, age is merely a number.
“I am prepared to push myself for another two to three years, willing to make further sacrifices for my country,” he added.
With over two decades in the industry, Syarul expressed his aspirations for the National Sports Council (NSC) to champion initiatives that uplift the standards of bodybuilding and make the sport relevant to society at large.
“Bodybuilding is a sport that promotes a healthy lifestyle, and it deserves more awareness, like all the other mainstream sports out there.
“Athletes from the Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF) pour their hearts and souls into winning medals for our country, and it’s sad to witness that we are not being appreciated enough.”
As such, Syarul expressed his desire for increased NSC support.
Sharing that he has been managing his regimen independently, he hopes the NSC would offer more assistance to elite athletes like himself if they wish to see a surge of promising talents in MBBF in the years to come.
“While NSC supports bodybuilding, it falls short compared to other sports.
“Elevating bodybuilding to category B (sports competing in the Asian and SEA Games) would significantly benefit the sport, attracting more incentives and alleviating financial burdens for athletes, fostering greater motivation for national success,” he added.
Syarul’s exceptional contributions to the sport were further recognised when he was bestowed with the title of Best Athlete at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS Awards 2022, echoing the achievement of Sazali Samad, the last bodybuilder to receive the same award in 2013.
Reflecting on Malaysia’s success in the 2021 Hanoi SEA Games, where Mahen secured gold in the men’s athletic physique category, alongside other athletes in the bodybuilding camp who contributed three silvers and four bronzes.
As he continues to defy age and expectation, he envisions a brighter path for bodybuilding in Malaysia, urging the NSC to play a pivotal role in its ascent to greater prominence. – November 16, 2023