KOTA BELUD: Kadamaian, Kota Belud, has been confirmed as the host for the Mr Sabah 2026 State Bodybuilding Championship.
This event will be held on 22 August 2026 at Kadamaian Square Hall, Taginambur, Kota Belud.
The prestigious championship is organised by the Sabah Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) in collaboration with the Kota Belud District Office, and forms part of ongoing efforts to develop bodybuilding in Sabah while promoting Kota Belud as a destination for sport and tourism.
SBBA president Clarence Runggi expressed his gratitude to Kota Belud District Officer Peter Jitun for accepting the invitation to host the championship and for his commitment to ensuring a successful event.
The first coordination meeting to plan the event was held at the Kota Belud District Office and chaired by Peter Jitun. Attendees included SBBA president Clarence Runggi, Carlye Lajamin (political secretary to Ewon Benedick), officers from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS), representatives of the Sabah State Sports Council (MSNS), officials from Kota Belud government agencies, and members of the SBBA committee.
At the meeting, the District Officer said he was confident that hosting Mr Sabah 2026 would have a positive impact on the district. In addition to bringing together the best bodybuilders from across Sabah, the championship is expected to showcase Kota Belud’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and tourism offerings to visitors from within and beyond the district.
He added that the arrival of athletes, officials, supporters and visitors should benefit the local economy through increased activity in the accommodation, food and tourism sectors.
Mr Sabah 2026 will feature 19 categories across bodybuilding and physique events, with athletes from throughout Sabah competing for titles in their respective divisions.
Clarence Runggi said the SBBA remains committed to staging championships in different districts across Sabah to broaden the sport’s development.
He expressed hope that hosting the event in Kadamaian would help nurture new talent, particularly among young people in Kota Belud and neighbouring districts.
The SBBA thanked all parties involved for their support, especially the Kota Belud District Office, government agencies, strategic partners and sponsors contributing to the success of Mr Sabah 2026.
“It is hoped that this championship will not only produce athletes capable of competing at the national level but will also contribute to the growth of sports tourism and the local economy,” he said.
The public is invited to attend and witness Sabah’s finest bodybuilders competing in this prestigious event in Kadamaian, Kota Belud.-BNN
