KUANTAN, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Fitness athlete K. Jey Prabakaran Thevar, better known as Dr Kjey, is setting his sights on the Asia Book of Records after securing his third world record through an 18-hour non-stop cardio and weightlifting challenge.
He said the new goal would build on his achievement in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) during last year's National Sports Day, when he completed 3,000 leg extensions, 3,000 squats and 3,000 jumping jacks.
"For the MBOR record, I completed the three challenges over two days, performing the squats and jumping jacks on the first day and the leg extensions the following day.
"This time, I intend to complete all three challenges in a single day within approximately five hours to set an Asian-level record," he told Bernama when contacted today.
The record attempt is scheduled to take place at Nethaji Hall, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 1.
Last June, the 29-year-old athlete secured entries in the Guinness World Records (GWR), Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) and Influencer Book of World Records for an 18-hour non-stop cardio and weightlifting challenge.
The Kuala Lipis-born athlete said his latest record attempt was not merely about adding to his personal achievements, but also aimed at inspiring young people to adopt a more active lifestyle through fitness.
As president of the Malaysian Indian Fitness Organisation (MIFIT), he said he hoped to use the platform to encourage more youths to join the association and participate actively in its fitness programmes.
"As president, I need to do something to motivate more young people to join MIFIT and participate actively in fitness programmes.
"As an athlete, I am confident that I can set more records in the future," he said.
Dr Kjey said MIFIT currently has more than 400 members nationwide, with branches in Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor.
He added that the association was planning to open a branch in Penang to broaden community participation in fitness activities, with a target of recruiting 1,000 new members nationwide.
On preparations for the new record attempt, Dr Kjey said he was in good physical condition, with his training schedule, nutrition and rest periods carefully planned by his coach, Mohd Shazwan Mohd Luthfi Ismail.
"Preparation this time is easier because I already have experience with several previous record attempts, so we are confident that we can set another record," he said.
He added that there were still many fitness exercises that could be considered for future record attempts, including back row, chest press and bench press.
However, he said each challenge would require approval from the relevant record-sanctioning body, such as Guinness World Records (GWR), the Asia Book of Records or Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR), based on the applications submitted.
-- BERNAMA