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DOHA REVIEWED
(Focus On What's Ahead For Bodybuilding)
By Joshua Tan
Our musclemen did well at the recent Asian Games but the Singapore Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation is keenly aware of the need for renewal, given our lack of young faces in Doha. As such, efforts will be made to develop younger talents, starting with the more than 30 athletes in the development squad.
Seasoned & New
In Doha, Singapore was represented by a team made up of seasoned bodybuilders. Simon Chua, 36, won gold, while Ibrahim Sihat, 49, and Mohamed Ismail Mohammad (pix), 43, both clinched bronzes. The others were Amir Zainal, 32; Nor Perwira Jaya Rahmat, 37; and Vincent Ng, 49. For the 2010 Asiad in Guangzhou, the ones likely to be around are Simon and Amir. So Singapore needs new faces to complement their experience.
Heavyweight Categories
At the same time, there is a need to work on the heavyweight categories where countries like Qatar and Bahrain are very strong. In Doha, Singapore's strategy was to focus on the lighter categories.
Improved Standards
Overall, the message from the recent competition was clear. Standards have gone up a lot compared to four years ago when Singapore clinched two golds, two silvers and a bronze in Busan. And they will go up further with the interest in the sport.
For example, in Doha, there were more than 100 competitors, with a couple of current and former world champions in the field, no less.
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