KUALA LUMPUR – Is the Bodybuilding Federation of Malaysia (PBBM) planning to appoint Mike Mahen as head coach for young bodybuilding athletes?
Given his illustrious career and achievements over the years, Datuk Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, known as Mike Mahen, seems to be the ideal candidate to assume the role of head coach in the Malaysian bodybuilding arena.
The 51-year-old, who boasts six world championships, will announce his retirement from the sport tomorrow, citing health issues and physical fatigue as the reasons behind his decision.
Speaking to Scoop, Syarul expressed his aspiration to take on the coaching role, aiming to contribute more to the sport by nurturing talents to replicate his international success.
“I have been contemplating retirement for the past few months due to slow recovery from back-to-back injuries to my knee, biceps, and tendons.
“My injuries aggravated after my last World Championship in Wonju, South Korea, in November last year.
“Upon realising that my recovery wouldn’t be swift, I informed the late PBBM vice president Kamaruzzaman Kadir about my retirement plans. However, he advised against it, believing I could still compete in future tournaments.
“But I believe my time has come to an end, and I now must transition into a coaching role to help our country produce more talents for the future of the sport.
“The country requires more talents to carry on the legacy I’ve built, and I believe I can identify, develop, and guide these talents.
“I also serve as a good spokesperson for the sport’s development in the country, having strong connections with various associations worldwide. This will facilitate collaboration with them, utilising their assistance effectively.
“I am not expecting to be appointed as the head coach, but if given the role, I will diligently work towards my targets, continuing to raise our nation’s flag in this sport.
“We will learn whether I will be appointed tomorrow,” said Syarul.
If he doesn’t secure the position, Syarul mentioned he would not be disheartened, as he plans to focus on organising coaching clinics in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC).
“I won’t be disappointed if I am not chosen for the role, as my primary aim is the growth of the sport in the country.
“I will continue to fulfil my current responsibilities and readily offer my services for coaching clinics if needed by the Youth and Sports Ministry, and NSC.
“Considering the abundance of talent in our country, I will also conduct private lessons at gyms for those seeking to excel in the sport, should I not be offered the head coach position.
“I am committed to ensuring the progression of the sport and our athletes in Malaysia,” he added.
Syarul was conferred the title of Best Athlete at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia-100PLUS Awards 2022 ceremony last year.
He won his sixth world title at the 14th World Bodybuilding And Physique Sports Federation world championship, which took place from November 6 to 12 in South Korea in 2013.
In the 2021 Hanoi SEA Games, Malaysia brought home one gold through Syarul in the men’s athletic physique category, along with three silvers and four bronzes, ranking third overall out of the five competing countries. – March 21, 2024