Bomal wins muscle fest

 By ZACHERY PER 

FORMER Mr PNG Steve Bomal reclaimed the title once again after being declared the overall winner at the National Bodybuilding Championship over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in Kokopo.

Complementing the Goroka based-winner, Misa Avefa also from Goroka took out the Miss PNG title.

An elated Bomal came back after  a six-year lay-off to win the title he last won in 2004.

He competed against the likes of former champions and national representatives in John Waglep, Peter Dai, David Mugarenang, Wilfred Korua, Rex Viyufa and Mark Donald.

Avefa became the first woman from Eastern Highlands to claim the women’s top award.

Bomal it was a special ahievement for a province to claim the men and women’s double.

He said the hardwork and dedication by Team EHP had paid off.

“Though we were one of the smaller teams I think we did extremely well to win the major titles,” Bomal said.

He said bodybuilding was an expensive sport to be involved in and for it to grow and attract more competitors it needed recognition from the government and corporate community.

“This (cost) is the major obstacle that hinders many potential bodybuilders from taking part in the competitions. 

“I have a passion and love for the sport so I am prepared to make the the sacrifices, and winning the title is a great result,” he said.

Bomal said getting to Kokopo for the competition was difficult with limited funding but in the end he was proud of the team’s effort.

He thanked New Guinea Highlands Coffee Export and PNG Body Building Federation Cosmas president Hannette.

Avefa thanked her family for supporting her as well as female power-lifter Magret Benny who helped her train and gave tips and advice.