A STEELY determination and hard work paid off for bodybuilder R . Kumareswarren when he bagged the Mr Malaysia 2023 title at the 52nd National Bodybuilding Championship on Oct 15 .

Kumareswarren , 38 , who won the Heavyweight title , also bagged the Champion of Champions title .

“ I am thrilled to have won the title of Mr Malaysia after much hard work . Although I have participated in and won many other competitions , this title is very special for me after undergoing training twice daily since the beginning of the year .”

He shared that he had made numerous sacrifices regarding his finances and dietary discipline to get to this point .

“ To be in this field is not an easy journey because I also have to spend

a lot of money – entirely borne by myself – for expenses such as food and supplements . But this is my passion , so it ’ s worth it .

“ Every day , I have six meals that I prepare myself , and I have to count and measure my calorie intake . My diet has no sugar or fried food , only brown rice , chicken breast vegetables and oats .”

Even when eating out with family or friends , Kumareswarren , who is a gym operator , would follow a strict diet by bringing his own food and making sure his salt intake did not exceed five grammes daily .

After obtaining a top-five place in his first appearance in Thailand last year , Kumareswarren is now eyeing the podium at the 2023 World Bodybuilding and Physique Championships to be held in

Gangwok , South Korea from Nov 6-12 .

He is aiming to be among the top three at the World Championships , and is prepared to compete against athletes from all over the world , particularly those from Thailand ,

Europe , China and India .

He also expressed his gratitude to his family for their support and encouragement throughout , saying it was his main driving force to continue the journey .

FORMER Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was recently conferred Brazil ’ s highest honorific order , the Order of Rio Branco , for his contributions to an illustrious career in public health .

Brazil ’ s Ambassador to Malaysia , Ary Norton de Murat Quintella , commended Dr Noor Hisham for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic , highlighting the dedication of frontline health workers in Malaysia and worldwide .

Quintella said he believed he spoke for the entire diplomatic community

in commending the dedication of Malaysia ’ s Health Ministry to making everyone , including foreigners , in Malaysia feel safe during the pandemic . “ The bestowing of the Order of Rio Branco is also a recognition of efforts of the government of Malaysia to promote access to safe , effective , quality and affordable medicines and medical products for all ,” he added .

In his address , Dr Noor Hisham said : “ It is with great humility and gratitude that I accept this prestigious award from the Brazilian government .”.

Meanwhile , Dr Noor Hisham was

appointed Chancellor of the University of Cyberjaya , effective Oct 1 . “ I share pride in the vision and mission of the University of Cyberjaya .

“ More importantly , I believe that this university has great potential in Malaysia and beyond , to strive to be the best healthcare education hub in the Western Pacific Region ,” he said .

Quintella conferring the Order of Rio Branco on Dr Noor Hisham during the ceremony .

Following his retirement in April this year after a career spanning 35 years , Dr Noor Hisham has also made a comeback as a surgeon at Putrajaya Hospital , where he intends to strengthen medical and endocrine surgery services and establish the Endocrine Institute as an international centre of excellence in the field .