175 bodybuilders flexing their muscles for titles

Dubai: A total of 175 bodybuilders from 69 countries will be vying for a share of glory at the inaugural WBPSF Men's World Bodybuilding Championships that got under way at the Al Ahli Club's indoor hall on Friday.

Pre-judging in all ten weight categories was held yesterday morning with the 70kg category attracting the most participants with 21 entrants, followed by the 65kg, 80kg and 85kg categories with 16, 15 and 17 participants respectively.

The 55kg category had only four contestants, followed by eight in the 90kg and nine in the over 100kg categories.

The finals in all ten weight categories will be held from 4pm today.

"For all of us here this is a huge challenge, but in the true spirit we are ready to take on anything," Osama Al Shafar, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPSF) and President, Emirates Body Building Federation (EBBF) told Gulf News.

"When we decided to have this competition, we knew what we were in for. But now that we have managed to attract some of the best athletes from across the world, we can see the sense of fulfilment," Al Shafar added.

Meanwhile, the WBPSF Congress was held yesterday and the executive board met later in the evening to take stock of what is happening within the new world body.