KUALA LUMPUR: Even though he has made the decision to go on his own as an independent professional, Sazali Samad will face difficulty in competing as he now has to serve an extended ban which will only end Sept 22, 2023.
As a fellow champion body builder, Datuk Malek Noor sympathizes and understands what Sazali is going through, pointing out that athletes are just normal human beings who want to go ahead with their lives.
Malek who was Malaysia’s top and most popular body builder in the 80’s, explained that Sazali needs to abide by the decision to further punish him with an extended four-year ban.
“Well, Sazali needs to find out more information as to whether he can still compete or not, but then again he is still serving a ban, even though he has left the Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF).
"Sazali has to be smart about all this and ensure that he knows that such a punishment does or does not prevent him from competing in future championships. Sazali can also consult with championship officials to check and see if he can indeed compete despite being banned. What’s best is for him to find out as much information as he can first.
"If he is bent on competing, then he must first make sure that the championship which he intends to take part in, in the future, is open to him even though he is banned,” said Malek earlier today.
Recently, Sazali took part in the China Sports Show Fearless Bodybuilding Physique & Bikini competition in Shanghai, and because of this, he was handed an additional four-year ban on top of his initial ban which was supposed to end Sept 22 next year by the MBBF’s disciplinary and anti-doping committee.
"I understand that Sazali is very disappointed with the added ban of four years, but rules are rules and have to be adhered to, as stipulated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). I will pray and hope for the best for him,” added Malek.
Speaking further, Malek suggested that Sazali try his luck by registering to join the World Amateur Body Building Association (WABBA).
"Perhaps he could join another body building entity such as WABBA and compete under them because they also organise body building championships. But Sazali has to double check and see if he can do so in the first place of course.
"I really feel sorry for him and whatever it is, I have to praise his desire and will of not wanting to give up. I pray for the best for him and hope he can make it out on his own as an independent professional,” added Malek.