Sarawakian bodybuilders Malvern Abdullah, Philomena Dexclyn eye Asian meet after podium finishes at World Championship

From second left: Malvern, Wee and Philomena in a group photo in front of the arrival hall at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on Nov 14, 2023.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Nov 14: Sarawakian bodybuilding athletes Dr Malvern Abdullah and Philomena Dexclyn Siar are already eyeing next year’s Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Batam, Indonesia, after returning home from the recently-concluded 14th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in South Korea.

The latter championship had taken place in Wongju City, South Korea from Nov 6 to 12, 2023.

Malvern (left) and Philomena showing their trophies and medals at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on Nov 14, 2023.

Dr Malvern said he felt proud for delivering a silver medal in the Men’s Athletic Physique Up to 160cm category for Malaysia even though it was his fifth silver throughout his lifetime participation in such World Championship.

“Last year I got gold but still, World Championship is a very competitive event. People from all different countries come together and we compete, but I managed to get a silver medal and I will continue to contribute in the future.

“My next target is the Asian Championship which will be held next year in Batam, Indonesia, and then World Championship to be held in Maldives sometime in November,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philomena who clinched two bronzes in the Women’s Sport Physique Up to 165cm and Ladies Sport Physique Age 35 and Above categories, said she was happy and ecstatic as her victory validated all her training, sacrifices and time spent to prepare for the said championship.

“I’m very appreciative of all the support that have been given to me and all our teammates. We hope that we will continue to receive support and incentives from the government and we will be fighting and preparing for the next championships next year.

“Wish us all the best and we will hopefully try to do and achieve better results in the next championships,” she said.

The two were met by reporters upon their return to Sarawak at Kuching International Airport (KIA) here today.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng who was present to welcome them home, expressed his delight and gratitude for the bodybuilders’ performances.

He stated that the relevant parties would conduct a post-mortem on the results but he quickly pointed out that bodybuilding is not an easy sport as it requires a high level of discipline.

“That is why even on training and all that, we hope that the authorities will give the athletes more support,” he said. — DayakDaily