KUCHING: The 60th Annual Mr Sarawak Bodybuilding Championship was more than a showcase of physiques and strength; it was a celebration of Sarawak’s sporting heritage.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Mordi Bimol, praised the bodybuilding fraternity for preserving a legacy that dates back to 1963, noting that the sport in Sarawak began even before the formation of Malaysia.
Speaking at the championship held at Boulevard Shopping Mall today (June 20), he congratulated the Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBA) for successfully organising the landmark event.
Mordi said a courtesy call by the organising committee earlier this year had opened his eyes to the rich and fascinating history of bodybuilding in Sarawak.
He noted that the Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA), formed in August 1963, is not only the oldest active sports association in Sarawak but also among the oldest in Malaysia.
“In the same year, the very first Mr Sarawak competition was held in Sibu and won by the late Douglas Jerukan. That is an achievement worth celebrating,” he said.
Mordi described the championship as a tribute to six decades of passion, discipline and perseverance, while commending KDBA and SBBA for their efforts in curating and preserving the sport’s history.
He said documenting sporting heritage was not merely about nostalgia, but about recognising those who built the foundation, learning from the past, and guiding future generations.
“Every sports association should take pride in its legacy, and I applaud the bodybuilding community for leading by example,” he said.
Mordi also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of sports nationwide, including bodybuilding.
He said the dedication of athletes, coaches, officials and associations continues to inspire and elevate Sarawak and Malaysia on both the national and international stages.
Addressing the competitors, he said their presence at the championship was the result of countless hours of training, sacrifice and unwavering determination.
“Regardless of the outcome, you are already champions in your own right,” he said before officially declaring the 60th Annual Mr Sarawak Bodybuilding Championship open.
Also present at the event were Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF) President Abdul Karim Abdullah, Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) President Dr Malvern Abdullah, and Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBA) President Adrian Wong Hock Wei.
