Physiques set for show

Sports

DEFENDING Mr PNG Lucas Wemin is expected to be a strong contender to defend his title at tomorrow’s National Bodybuilding Championships in Port Moresby.
His main rival will be Canny Cooper, who finished second at last year’s national titles in Goroka.
Papua New Guinea Bodybuilding Federation president Steven Bomal and secretary Alphonse Benny arrive in the capital today to officiate at the 27th edition of the nationals.
Bomal is a former Mr Pacific and Mr PNG titleholder.
Federation marketing manager Yonkond Goiye said apart from the previous national titles, this year’s championship had attracted 11 centres from around the country and among the athletes, there would be several school students competing.
He confirmed that contingents had starting arriving in the capital from Tuesday in the following days including today and the competitors were going through their final preparations before the competition starts tomorrow from 10am to 4pm at the Cosmopolitan Club in Vision City.
“All the athletes including both male and female will take part in their own respective weight categories,” Goiye said.
The men’s categories include the men’s compulsory posing, novice, open men’s 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 85kg, 90kg, 95kg, 100kg and 108kg.
The women’s category includes 65kg, and over 65kg.
Goiye said that host association NCDBBA had a strong team and would figure prominently across the weight classes.
“We’re hoping our national titles will see some of the best bodybuilders in the country turn up in great shape and we also expect to see some up and coming talent get the chance to show off their physiques to the judges and the fans,” Goiye said.
A national team will be selected from the nationals to compete at the 53rd Asia Bodybuilding and physique Sports Championship in India, South Pacific Championships in Fiji on October and the World Championships in Thailand in December.
Goiye thanked the Department of Community Development and Religion for assisting the federation with K10, 000.
The event will also promote the department’s theme “Strong Men don’t beat Women”.