Mangalore: Muscle power to the fore at bodybuilding contest

Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Dec 23: Youngsters belonging to various gymnasiums spread across the district took part in ‘Kumars Classic – 2013’, a district-level amateur bodybuilding competition on Sunday, December 22 at Kodikal here. The event was organized by Kumars Multi-Gym, Kottara Chowki.

There were about 50 bodybuilders under four different categories. Somu Shekhar Kulal of Kumars Multi Gym, Mohammed Ashraf of Guruvanjaneya gym, Moodbidri, Murshid from Panemangalur and Suhas Vittla were adjudged winners in the short, medium, tall and super tall categories respectively.

Overall, Somu Shekar Kulal won the ‘Most Muscular’ title, Mohammed Ashraf the ‘Kumars Classic’ title while Dhanraj of Kumars Multi-Gym bagged the ‘Champion of Champion Award’.

In his speech, city crime branch inspector Valentine D’Souza advised the participants to make the best use of their physical strength.  “A few days back I arrested a few youths for going against the law. All of them were well built. But what is the use of having a good physique, if it’s not used properly?" he pointed out.

He also recalled his friendship with former Mr World Raymond D’Souza, who also shared the same interest of working out long hours in gymnasium and participated in bodybuilding competitions.

Earlier, K Chitharanhan, president of Brahma Baidarkala Garodi Kshetra, Kankanady inaugurated the event. He said, "This is the best opportunity for bodybuilders to showcase their talents."

Corporator M Shashidhar Hegde asked the youth to contribute to the good of the country. Raymond D’Souza welcomed the gathering and said, "Today, youth throng to the gymnasiums to tone up the body. They are influenced by films, but the craze to participate in competitions is comparatively less." He appreciated the participants for turning out in good numbers.

Corporator Harish M Shetty, president of SNDP, Kodikal, D Ramesh Naik, president of Sri Kurumba Rajarajeshwari Temple, Kodikal, and K Prakash Kunder, president of Sri Mahaganapathi Bajana Mandir, Kodikal were present at the inaugural function.

KPCC secretary Ivan D’Souza distributed prizes at the valedictory session. Kiran Kumar, organizer and proprietor Kumars Multi-Gym, coaches and members were present.