THE PNG Bodybuilding team has learnt a lot from the World Bodybuilding championships it attended last month in Korea.
It was a learning ground for our three bodybuilders as they flexed on stage with promising shows.
PNG Bodybuilding Federation (PNGBBF) vice-president Ronald Haihavu said the bodybuilders did exceptionally well as they were among more than 60 champions from around the world.
“It was an eye-opener for PNG in this world event and we now know what is required at the international stage and we must prepare now,” Haihavu said.
He was also in the international judging panel and said that PNG bodybuilders needed to work harder to meet the world standards.
Joe Kulame was outstanding making it into the final round with 15 others and finished 12th in the U65 category. Jack Viyufa and Wilfred Kurua competed in the U75 division but were eliminated in the first round.
“Finishing 12th is a big achievement especially when you are competing against champions of very competitive nations,” Team manager Randolph Albrecht said.
Albrecht said it has been a learning experience for the team and Viyufa speaking on his way back to PNG has already mapped out the type of training programme he needs to go through to be better prepared for next year’s world championships in Bahrain.
The final competition dominated by the Brazil and Asian countries in the lower weight classes and then the Middle East and European countries dominated the heavier weight classes.
After PNG’s Joe Kulame missed the finals of the under 65kg, it was four times world champion Brazilian Jose Carlos Santos who won his 5th title.
“This provides a great platform for the sport to continue to develop in PNG and provide our elite athletes with something to aim for next year,” Albrecht said.
PNGBBF now focuses on the PNG Games and the combined Mr PNG title.