Dubai: Ahmad Hussain Mahmoud, Jay Catli and Sabri Fadhel walked away with the top honours at the end of the inaugural Dubai International Bodybuilding Championships on Friday.
Mahmoud picked up the first place in the over-85kg category, Catli took first place in the 80kg category, while Fadhel won the top prize in the 75kg category.
Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum gave away the trophies to the winners in the presence of Sultan Bin Mejren, president of the Arab Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Federation.
The first competition attracted more than 50 bodybuilders from across the region as a preparation for the Arab Bodybuilding Championship, to be held in Syria in May.
The UAE's Ahmad Al Madani, who won the third place in the 80kg category, was given a special prize for best display.
Competition was tough with the preliminary rounds being held earlier during the day to choose the six best in each of the three weight categories. Catli was thrilled with his performance of winning three titles in as many competitions he has participated in during the last few months.
The Filipino bodybuilder, who conducts personal training sessions in Dubai, found this competition the toughest among the three he has participated in so far. "I was surprised with the competition we had in our category," the 25-year-old told Gulf News after picking up his first prize of Dh30,000.
Abu Dhabi-based Fadhel, who has a tough time making enough to have a proper diet, was very happy with his performance.
"I have been in Dubai for the past six months and this is my second win in two competitions. I would love to compete as often as possible, but I need at least a sponsor who can back me," the Egyptian bodybuilder said. "It's good to have such competitions with good prize money as the motivation to win is even better. We need more people to be involved in this sport," added Fadhel, who is currently working as a coach in Abu Dhabi.
The event was sponsored by Al Boom Holdings with Khansaheb and Bridgestone as co-sponsors. It was held under the patronage of Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and under the auspices of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Federation.
Results: 75 kgs: 1. Sabri Fadhel; 2. Malfi Al Gamdi; 3. Firas Tahhan. 80 kgs: 1. Jay Catli; 2. Abbas Ali Akbar; 3. Ahmad Al Madani. Over 85 kgs: 1. Ahmad Hussain Mahmoud; 2. Ahmad Sahafeen; 3. Babik Mohammad Redha.
