National bodybuilding champs return this weekend

THE Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships return to the calendar this weekend after a four-year absence, organisers have said.

The championships were last held in 2018 and put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will make a return at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare on Saturday, National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBBF) secretary-general Quiet Shangai said.

“The objective of this event is to qualify athletes for international events such as Arnold Classic and World Championships. It also helps athletes gain points when we submit names for sportsperson awards,” Shangai said.

“And it forms who is going to be nominated from our federation for submission to the Sports and Recreation Committee (SRC) and it also influences the decisions that are going to be made by selectors who are appointed by SRC in terms of identifying sportsperson of the year.”

The tournament has 11 categories, which include senior men bodybuilding, junior men, men's fitness open, men's physique, women bikini fitness open, women beach bikini open, women wellness fitness open, and wheelchair men bodybuilding open.

Winners will represent Zimbabwe at international tournaments. Top bodybuilders expected to compete include two-time Mr Zimbabwe Ndumiso Dlodlo; current Harare champion Edward Mutero; current Bulawayo classic and Marume classic champion, Noah Dzvokora; Gideon Teguru; Lynette Tom; Aaron Musarurwa; Blessing Itai Sithole; Lovemore Munyamana; Mark Valisatos; Nomathamsanga Phiri; Eva Madanha and Stanslous Chirenje.

“My expectations are to have 60 plus athletes coming to compete. We are also expecting people to come in their numbers to watch. In terms of outputs, we are expecting to identify at least 20 athletes who will go and compete in South Africa in May next year,” Shangai said.

Athletes will battle it out for US$12 000 in prize money, medals and certificates.