Sabah Bodybuilders Bring Glory to Malaysia
- nabalunews
- 1h
- 2 min read
27 August 2025
BANGKOK: Sabah bodybuilders once again brought honour to Malaysia after four athletes from the state delivered outstanding performances at the 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championships held in Bangkok.
Meilaura Dora Jimmy, 45, from Penampang , a personal fitness trainer from Kota Kinabalu, captured the gold medal in the Women’s Bodybuilding -55kg category. She also claimed the Most Improved Athlete Award and secured fifth place in the Mixed Pairs category, making her one of Malaysia’s most successful athletes at the championships.
Meanwhile, Nazri Pulong from Kota Belud also contributed a gold medal for Malaysia in his respective category, cementing Sabah’s reputation as a powerhouse in bodybuilding.
In addition, David Sakai from Penampang and Zamarul Adam from Nabawan made the nation proud by finishing among the top five in their respective divisions, further demonstrating Malaysia’s strength in the regional competition.
For Meilaura, standing on the podium as the national anthem Negaraku was played in the banquet hall of the Alexander Hotel was an emotional and deeply meaningful moment.
“This gold medal is my gift to my country and to the sport of bodybuilding. I am truly grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to compete,” said Meilaura, who has dedicated more than two decades to the sport.
This outstanding success has qualified both Meilaura and Nazri to represent Malaysia at the World Bodybuilding Championships in Batam, Indonesia, this November, while David and Zmarul were recognised as among the region’s best athletes.
The team’s return at Kota Kinabalu International Airport yesterday was celebrated by Sabah Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) President Clarence Runggi, committee members Jaffery Thedius, Joanes Stanislaus, Jesley Dayah, Billy Jinawat with Represent Datuk Ewon Benedick and Mr Krishnakumar, President of the Enrich Bodybuilding Club, who was in Kota Kinabalu at the time.
According to SBBA, the achievements of Meilaura, Nazri, David and Zamarul prove that Sabah continues to produce disciplined, resilient athletes capable of competing on the international stage.
“The success of these Sabah athletes is an inspiration to the younger generation. It shows that with passion, discipline and perseverance, Sabah athletes can raise the nation’s standing,” said Clarence.
With their sights now set on the world championships, both Meilaura and Nazri are determined to once again raise the Jalur Gemilang high and bring further pride to Malaysia – and to their home state of Sabah.
Both Meilaura and David also extended their heartfelt thanks to Penampang Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for his encouragement and support, which they said greatly motivated them in their journey.
