DUBAI The man World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) fans have often gawked at in stunned amazement for his imposing physique is coming to Dubai this weekend.
Indian Dalip Singh Rana who goes by the ring name of The Great Khali in the WWE circuit will grace what is being touted as the UAE’s biggest body building championship till date - the first ever ‘Mr International Indian 2015-16’ on January 29 and 30. “It’s going to be a mammoth occasion for all of us here in the UAE. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of wrestling or not because Khali is a sight to behold,” said Imran Khan, president of Team Dubai Indian, the Dubai-based social group that’s organising the competition.
Known for his signature two-handed chokeslam called Khali Bomb and a two-handed clawhold called Vise Grip, the man with 63 inches chest and 25 inches arm, will attend the competition finals at Al Nasr Leisureland on January 30 before embarking on a Dubai sightseeing trip. “A desert safari and a visit to the Burj Khalifa are definitely on the cards,” Khan said.
To be held under the aegis of Emirates Body Building Federation (EBBF) and Rhythm Events, the competition will see over 300 Indians from across GCC countries and India sweat it out for the top prize. “The biggest lure for them will be to receive the prize from Khali,” said Amany Hanafi, technical secretary, EBBF.
Prize money
The competition - open to Indians only - will be held in six different weight categories. The winner of each category will qualify for the final round where he could take home Dh60,000. The first runner-up will get Dh30,000 while the second runner-up will bag Dh15,000. Those finishing second and third in each categories will get Dh3000 and Dh1500.
