TAMBUNAN: Sabah-born athlete Affan Affandy Sazali has steadily made a name for himself in local and national bodybuilding, achieving a string of impressive milestones since first entering the competitive scene in 2017.
Affan began his journey with a win at Mr Tamu Gadang UMS and quickly made an impact by finishing fifth in Mr Borneo Bodybuilding & Physique and as runner-up in Mr Crocker Range Body Smart that same year.
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These early achievements fueled his determination to remain consistent in the highly disciplined world of bodybuilding.
He maintained this momentum in 2018, securing second place in Mr Crocker Range and finishing fourth in Mr Borneo.
In 2019, he stayed among the top 10 in both competitions, demonstrating endurance, discipline, and commitment to the sport.
After a brief hiatus, Affan returned to the stage in 2023, though he did not place.
He bounced back in 2024, finishing in the top 10 of Mr Sabah, eighth in the WFF Borneo Grand Prix, third in Mr Merdeka, and fourth in Mr Borneo, marking a remarkable comeback.
The year 2025 proved to be the pinnacle of his career. Affan claimed third place in Mr Enrich Borneo before being crowned overall champion of Mr Crocker Range.
His successes continued at Mr Sabah, where he won the Middleweight category, the Men’s Athletic Physique title, and ultimately the overall Champ of Champs award.
These victories earned him the opportunity to represent Sabah at the national level, where he was crowned champion in the Men’s Sport Physique category at Mr Malaysia.
He also won the same category at Mr Borneo, further elevating Sabah’s standing on the national bodybuilding stage.
Reflecting on his journey, Affan says “Bodybuilding is more than lifting weights; it builds discipline, mental strength, and a healthy lifestyle. I hope this inspires young people in Tambunan and beyond to see the sport positively and pursue their goals with consistency and dedication.”
He also shared the personal challenges he faced.
“Strict dieting, planning every meal, and managing training while taking care of my family has not been easy. It tests both mental and physical strength,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful to my sponsors, gym partners, and my family. Their unwavering support has been crucial in allowing me to compete and achieve these milestones,” he said, acknowledging his supporters.
