Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Dajiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Updated
Mangaluru, Feb 14: The 64th National Amateur Body Building and Fitness Championship came to a grand close here late night on Saturday February 13 with Karnataka bagging several medals.
Vargis J of Karnataka won the title under 'Bharath Shree', with Shanoor Ali Ustad, also of Karnataka, being adjudged the 'Most Muscular Man'.
The 'Bharat Kesari' title was conferred on Ankush Shivaram Tervankar of Maharashtra, while 'Bharat Kumar' title went to Balakrishna G of Karnataka. Rubel of Karnataka was adjudged the 'Most Muscular Man' in 'Bharat Kumar' category. The Bharat Fitness' title also was won by Kannadiga Lavanya Kumar.
Addressing the valedictory ceremony, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes said, "This competition should be held in every school and college and also in sports clubs. Health is an asset to the nation, and so also the youth. The participants should also compete internationally and bring laurels to the nation. During Commonwealth Games, India had secured more medals as the then UPA government gave more importance to sports.
City crime branch (CCB) inspector Valentine D'Souza and MLC Ivan D'Souza, who is also the president of Dakshina Kannaa Amateur Body Building Association, were honoured on the occasion.
Former mayor Ashraf, businessman Walter D'Souza, Wilbert D'Souza, P S Naidu and others were present.
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Dajiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Feb 13: It was all muscles and power as the 64th National Amateur Body Building and Fitness Championship got under way at Nehru Maidan here on Friday February 12.
The championship was formally inaugurated by sports minister Abhaychandra Jain and health minister U T Khader along with other dignitaries by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
MLC Ivan D'Souza, who is also the honorary president of Dakshina Kannada Amateur Body Building Association welcomed the gathering.
In his address, Abhaychandra Jain said, "Mangaluru has given many bodybuilders to the nation. This event has been possible only because of the achievements of the bodybuilders from this region. They have bought pride to the city with their achievements.
"It has been a long-pending demand of this region to lay turf and make this a football ground and about Rs 80 lac has been sanctioned for the same. Mangaluru will get a international level swimming pool at the cost of rupees 5 crore. For the cricket turf ground about 9 acre of land has been identified at Kottara. Chief minister has given me a free hand to develop and provide all facilities for sportspersons. In Moodbidri, as Alva's institutions is providing free education to 758 students who have excelled in sports, there is a need to develop infrastructure for these 758 students. Thus we built synthetic track and swimming pool and skating track also is being developed at Moodbidri. I congratulate the organizers on holding such a championship and wish good luck to all participants."
U T Khader said, "I congradulate everyone who has made this competition possible. Bodybuilders like Raymond D'Souza and Bhaskar have been an inspiration to the youngsters in bodybuilding. With this championship, they have shown that bodybuilders are not only good in participating but also in organizing such competitions. Today we want everything instantly but with sports it is possible to develop patience. I urge parents to support their children in sports along with studies. I wish all the participants who have come from different states all the best."
Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, MUDA chairman Kodijal Ibrahim, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, director of FMMC Fr Patrick Rodrigues, former Mr World Raymond D'Souza and others were present.