Bodybuilders pumped to compete at world titles: Bomal

By ISAAC LIRI
THE country’s elite bodybuilders are keen to compete at the world titles in Thailand next month, says Papua New Guinea Bodybuilding president Steve Bomal.
According to Bomal, the last time PNG competed at the world titles was when Jack Viufa — who was Mr South Pacific and Mr PNG — represented the country in Las Vegas, United States, in 2013.
The road to the world titles normally sees PNG’s bodybuilders competing in the Mr South Pacific titles as a lead-up.
Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, PNG did not compete in the event which was held in Fiji last month.
Despite missing out on the Mr South Pacific titles, Bomal and his bodybuilders haven’t given up and are working around the clock to ensure they get a shot at the world titles.
“Our athletes haven’t given up and are still undergoing their training, so at least some can compete at the world titles in Thailand,” Bomal said.
“It is important for us to carry our country’s flag at the world titles because we want to be recognised and also maintain our status as an active bodybuilding nation in the Pacific.
“Our top bodybuilders need to be exposed.
“According to our calendar, we listed two international events, the Mr South Pacific which we missed out on and the upcoming world titles in which we plan to compete.
“So I am appealing to the PNG Olympics Committee, PNG Sports Foundation or any other interested corporate entity to assist us so we can travel to the sorld titles.
“We understand that bodybuilding is excluded from the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa and that is probably one reason the PNG Olympic Committee can’t fund us, but I appeal to them again or any interested stakeholder if they can come forward and support us.
“Our top bodybuilders, which we plan to have them compete at the world titles, have spent a lot of time and money on their preparations from their own pockets.
“Bodybuilding can be very expensive with athlete training and strict diets, which includes supplements.
“We think that it would be good if they are given a shot to take part in an international event before the year ends.
“We are thinking of getting all our bodybuilders (eight) to compete at the world titles.
“But it will all depend on the availability of funds.
“If we can’tt afford to take all our bodybuilders, we will take our best three male bodybuilders who performed well during the national titles this year.
“The three are Nathan Keova (75kg), Rex Viufa (80kg) and Kenny Cooper (70kg) who are currently at their peak.”