Melaka: Former national bodybuilder Samsul Mat Juah, 59, believes current athletes across various sports are fortunate to receive comprehensive monitoring and support from the National Sports Institute (ISN), especially in terms of technical and professional assistance. Samsul, who began his bodybuilding journey in 1995, said things were very different during his active years when he had to focus solely on training without any technical or professional backing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Samsul highlighted the lack of consultants during his time, particularly in bodybuilding, and emphasized the crucial role these consultants play in reducing the risk of injury during training. He noted, “Overtraining without proper tactical planning doesn’t just affect health, but it also hampers performance,” during the ‘Visit and Treat’ programme by the YAKEB Prihatin Squad at Ujong Pasir.
The programme, held at the home of the late football legend Robert Choe Kim Chwee, saw the attendance of Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail. Samsul reminisced about his bodybuilding career’s highlights, including representing Malaysia at the 2000 Asian Championship in Manila and the 2002 Commonwealth Bodybuilding Championship in New Delhi. However, his career was cut short by a serious spinal injury, causing him to retire in 2011.
Residing in Bukit Baru, Samsul expressed gratitude for the continued support from YAKEB, which has provided significant financial assistance for his medical needs, including nearly RM40,000 for kidney stone surgery and a monthly financial aid of RM300 as he battles chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Meanwhile, the late Choe’s eldest son, Fahrian Cho Yoon Chhing, expressed appreciation for YAKEB’s gesture in remembering his father’s contributions as a former national team striker. He acknowledged the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ commitment to honoring athletes who have significantly contributed to national sports.
During the programme, Adam Adli presented bereavement assistance to Choe’s widow, Alice Cho Yoon Chhing, and extended aid to Samsul and former national silat athlete Wardi Salim.