PETALING JAYA, April 29 — Malaysia’s most successful bodybuilder Sazali Samad is eyeing another title at the World Police and Fire Games in Virginia, US, this June after winning the 2014 Sportsman of the Year award at the National Sports Award yesterday.

Sazali won gold at the Games in 1995, 2003, 2005 and 2007. In 1997, he took home a silver.

“I want to defend my title at the Games, especially after winning this award,” said the 43-year-old.

“This is my fourth time winning. It would be my best energy booster to fight for another title in US.

“Competing during Ramadan won’t stop me from claiming my sixth medal at the championship.”

The event at the Grand Dorsett in Subang Jaya last night saw Sazali pip cyclist Azizulhasni Awang to the title.

Other nominees include Lim Chee Wei (karate), Ezuan Nasir Khan (shooting), Al-Jufferi Jamari (silat), Fairus Jabal (lawn bowls), Ong Beng Hee (squash), Ooi Tze Liang (diving) and Rafiq Ismail (bowling).

Sazali rode on his achievement of winning the 48th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Macau last August. He also made history by becoming the first man to win 10 Mr Universe titles at the World Championships in Mumbai in December.

The father of five, who has not contemplated retirement, reminded aspiring bodybuilders to always strive to be the best.

“To be a winner, you need to be focused and committed. Most importantly, do it for the country. Because, among millions, you are the one chosen to represent Malaysia.”

Squash world No. 1 Nicol David won the women’s category, beating shooter Nur Suryani Taibi, Syakilla Saini Jefri (karate), Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir (silat), Siti Zalina Ahmad (lawn bowls), Cheong Jun Hoong (diving) and Sin Li Jane (bowling).

David, 32, has the distinction of retaining several titles last year.

Among them were the Tournament of Champions, World Championship, British Open, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and US Open.

Sazali and David each received RM20,000.

David, together with her teammates, Low Wee Wern, Delia Arnold, Zulhijjah Azan and Vanessa Raj, won the Team of the Year award.