Former footballer turns to pumping iron after torn ligament

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MOHD Syarul Azman Mahen was an active football player and had represented Kuala Lumpur in the President’s Cup and other age group competitions.

He was looking forward to a remarkable career in football. But all his dreams were dashed after an injury — a torn ligament — on his knee which also required him to undergo a rehabilitation programme.

While undergoing the rehabilitation programme, Mohd Syarul had the opportunity to watch several body builders going through a regimental training programme.

“I was impressed with their physique. My rehabilitation programme was not helping me regain my confidence towards returning to football. I felt I would be able to achieve something in body building.

Mohd Syarul: I felt I would be able to achieve something in body building.

“I also had the chance to mingle with seasoned body builders Sazali Samad and Osman Yahya. Both were very encouraging and guided me,’’ said Mohd Syarul.

But it was an easy ride for him in body building. Mohd Syarul said he had to change his lifestyle.

“It was not like training for football. I had spend five days a week at the gym. I had to forget about the normal food. There were also supplements to take. It was quite a tedious programme but I was prepared to go through it,’’ said Mohd Syarul.

His first competition — Mr Kuala Lumpur in 2000 — was a memorable one. His hardwork did not go to waste and he was crowned the winner in the Bantamweight category.

However, he had to wait another six years to make an impact in the national championships. Mohd Syarul was the champion in the Lightweight category in 2006 and 2007. He took a break in 2008 but returned to win for three straight years in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

He was also declared as the Champion of Champions in 2010 and this year. On the international front, Mohd Syarul was second in the Body Classic category in the World Physique Sports Championship in Singapore last year. In the recent Asian Men’s Body Building and Athletic Physique championships in Bangkok, Thailand Mohd Syarul won the silver in the Body Classic category.

Fortunately, he had support from Agel, Target Sdn Bhd, Tata Photography to support his participation in the championships in Thailand.

Thanks to Celebrity Fitness in Lot 10 where Mohd Syarul gets the privilege to train there.

“It is not easy getting sponsors to support body building. It is also costly as I have to allocate about RM3,000 a month for supplements and food. I am grateful to well wishers who have been supporting me,’’ said Mohd Syarul.

The 38-year-old Mohd Syarul wants to see more youngsters be involved in body building.

This weekend, together with some friends, he will be organising the Mr Little India in Brickfields. The championships has four categories — Junior (Under-21), Novice (first timers), below 70 years old and above 70 years old.

Mohd Syarul said they were expecting about 100 participants and it would be an excellent platform to identify new talents.

“I have not decided yet whether to take part in the championships. My priority is to organise the competition to encourage more younsgters to be active in body building,’’ said Mohd Syarul.

Next year will be an important one for Mohd Syarul. There are three international competitions — SEA championships in Myanmar, Asian championships and World championships — and Mohd Syarul said he was keen to take part in the championships.

“But that will very much depend on support from sponsors,’’ said Mohd Syarul.