Joseph strikes a special pose during a photo-call, taken after the presentation of prizes.
KUCHING (Aug 24): The 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships served as a morale-booster for Joseph Ladi and Azri Asmat Sefri.
The two were among the Malaysian athletes in action at the championship’s opener in Alexander Hotel in Bangkok, last week.
Joseph, 38, viewed the bronze medal from the Men’s 65kg Class as reflecting the stiff competition at the higher Asian level.
The Bidayuh from Kuching won gold in the same category at the Southeast Asian outing in Laos last year, which marked his regional competitive debut.
“It’s my transition from Southeast Asia (SEA) to Asia, and to grab bronze in a category full of much more seasoned competitors, I would count it as an invaluable experience,” said the multiple Mr Sarawak and Mr Kuching titleholder.
Joseph said he had undergone three months of gruelling preparations prior to the Bangkok trip.
Azri, with his younger brother Asrul.
“It wasn’t easy. In fact, I had encountered many issues since early this year, but there’s nothing much that I could do about it other than to persevere on.
“Many times, people only see the success side of one’s journey, without ever knowing the trials and tribulations behind it all. For me, moving forward is the way to go,” said the civil servant, hoping that the next journey would be the world championships, set to be staged in Batam, Indonesia this November.
“My focus is on that, hopefully without any problem or other unforeseen circumstances,” he told The Borneo Post via WhatsApp today.
Azri, 32, also shared his hope of qualifying for the next level.
The seasoned campaigner, like Joseph, claimed a bronze medal from the 55kg category in Bangkok.
“The competition is crazy this time around, especially from India and Vietnam.
“I’m thankful, nevertheless, and always be in gratitude to my family and friends, as well as to the State Sports Council, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), the Miri Division Bodybuilding Association, Sarawak Bodybuilding Association and Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF),” said the Mirian.
However, he said this edition of the Asian meet was made even more memorable as his younger brother, Asrul, managed a Top 4 ranking in the Men’s Sports Physique-Up to 175cm Class at the 19th SEA Championships, both simultaneously hosted by Thailand Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Association this year.
“Very proud of him. It’s not his first time, but this edition marked his first major ranking.
“I will encourage him to do better,” said the SSC Miri officer.
This year, Malaysia sent a contingent of 26 athletes competing in the SEA and Asian championships.
For the SEA outing, which concluded last Saturday, the nation’s team collected one gold, three silver and four bronze medals.
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