Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jan 5: A national body building competition organized by city-based Dakshina Kannada Amateur Body Building Association and National Amateur Body Building Association will be held on February 13 and 14 here at Nehru Maidaan from 5.30 pm to 11.00 pm. This was revealed by MLC and president of Amateur Body Building Association, Ivan D'Souza here at a press meet held at his office on Tuesday January 5.

Addressing the media Ivan D'Souza said, "The 64th national body building competition will be organised here in the city under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada Amateur Body Building Association and National Amateur Body Building Association. Currently the state level competition is being held. The body builders who are selected for this competition will be eligible to participate in the national competition. This national competition will have about 250 bodybuilders from 29 different states participating. They will arrive in the city on February 11 to participate in the competition. The competition will be held under different titles like 'Bharatha Kesari', 'Bharatha Kishora' and 'Bharatha Shree'. Along with the title, cash prizes will also be awarded. Winners of the competition will be eligible to participate in international level competitions."

"The maximum number of bodybuilders in the nation hail from the coastal district. 25 years ago Raymond D'Souza won the Mr World bodybuilding championship. He is also from this district and there are many other body builders from this district who have won national and international competitions. There are more than 100 gym and fitness centres in Dakshina Kannada district. This competition is being organized in order to encourage and provide more opportunities to the youngsters to train at these gyms. Many state and local channels have agreed to present live telecast of this competition. The welcome committee headed by district incharge minister Ramanath Rai is formed along with ministers, MP, MLA's and MLC's of the district."

Shashidar Hegde, corporator, Raymond D'Souza, Kiran Kumar, Bhaskar Thokkotu and others were present at the press meet.