KUALA LUMPUR: Syarul Azman Mike Mahen completed his bodybuilding season with a third title at the Hangzhou Invitational in China on Sunday.
The former Kuala Lumpur footballer flexed his muscles to perfection for the men's athletic physique up to 170cm gold medal.
The 44-year-old claimed his third Asian Championships title in Seoul in August before retaining his gold medal in the World Championships gold medal in Mongolia on Oct 7.
"I won all three tough international competitions I participated in this season. Truly, my best-ever season as a bodybuilder," said KL-born Syarul in Hangzhou on Monday.
"However, I hope the victories will get me recognised as one of the best athletes in KL.
"Although, I have been winning priority competitions since 2015, I have never been nominated for the KL Sportsman award.
"I hope the concerned parties will one day recognise my contributions as a bodybuilder.
"It is surprising considering that I was nominated for the 2016 National Best Sportsman of the Year award," he added.
Syarul attributed his success this year to mental strength and discipline.
"I had personal problems that I had to attend to this year, but thankfully, everything turned out okay.
"It did not really affect my training and focus. I will take a short break before I continue with serious training for next year's assignments," said Syarul, who was disappointed when bodybuilding was dropped from the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in August.
On his victory in Hangzhou, Syarul said it was tough, as he was the only Malaysian in the event.
"I travelled alone without teammates to Hangzhou.
"However, I had friends from other countries who helped me out during the competition," he added.