KUCHING: Missing Hari Raya celebrations and enduring three training sessions a day proved worthwhile for Sarawak-born bodybuilder Corporal Mohd Al Badrul Abu after he secured a top-five finish at the 20th South East Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship 2026 in Yangon, Myanmar recently.
Representing both the Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysia, Badrul finished fifth in the Men’s Physique Up To 170cm category against competitors from across Southeast Asia during the championship held from May 14 to 18.
The result marked an improvement from last year’s edition in Bangkok, Thailand, where he placed sixth in the Men’s Physique Up To 175cm category.
“I am very grateful and happy because all the hard work and sacrifices throughout training finally paid off,” he said when contacted recently.
Badrul revealed that he underwent four months of intensive preparation leading up to the championship, including three daily training sessions at TurboFitness Matang to strengthen his physique and conditioning.
He said the demanding preparation required major sacrifices, particularly in maintaining strict diet discipline throughout the festive season.
“I couldn’t celebrate Hari Raya like everyone else because I needed to concentrate on my diet and training, but it was all worth it in the end,” he added.
Badrul also thanked the leadership of PDRM and the Malaysia Bodybuilding Federation for entrusting him with the responsibility of representing both the police force and the country at the regional championship.
He also expressed appreciation to his coaches, teammates, friends and family members, especially his wife, for their unwavering support throughout his bodybuilding journey.
