Sazali set to muscle in on gold

NEWLY-crowned Mr Universe Sazali Samad (pic) is ready to win gold in theAsian Games on Dec 1-15. Sazali is in a buoyant mood following his victory in the World AmateurChampionships in the Czech Republic last Sunday but he needs no reminderabout the tough assignment in Doha. Sazali, who is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations, willleave for California on Nov 9 to continue training under coach MilosSarcev, who will also accompany Sazali to Doha. "This is is the first time we are sending bodybuilders overseas fortraining, Sazali told us that training under Sarcev, even though for twoweeks before the world championships in the Czech Republic, has made aworld of difference. Therefore we decided that Sazali should continue totrain for another month under Sarcev," said National Sports Councildeputy director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong yesterday. Sazali became the first Asian to win the 65kg category three times inthe World Amateur Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, last week. The 39-year-old policeman, who hails from Batu Pahat, has also won theMr Asia title five times. "I dedicate the Mr Universe victory to all Malaysians who have beensupporting me. Now my focus is on winning gold in Doha." Sazali described Sarcev, a former Mr Olympia contestant, as a very goodcoach. "He has taught me the importance of eating the right food,especially during competitions, and also guided me on different poseswhich are important in international events like the Asian Games. Certainexercises have also added more definition to my muscles." said Sazali Sazali may be the favourite but he is also under no illusions about hisprospects in Doha, saying he expects stiff competition from China,Indonesia, Thailand, Iran and Myanmar. "Bodybuilders from these countrieshave also improved a lot. There were some good bodybuilders who competedin the world championships in the Czech Republic." Sazali, who started bodybuilding at 24, hopes to turn professionalafter the Games. "I've been advised by Sarcev to turn professional to enable me tocompete in Mr Olympia and other international events, but I am also awarethat I will not be able to compete in regional games or even the AsianGames as a professional." But right now, his future is the least of his worries. The only thingin Sazali's mind is gold in the Games - By Christopher Raj