Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D’Souza held a press meet regarding the upcoming ‘National Level Body Building Championship – 2016’ in his office, at the MCC premises here, on January 5.
Speaking to the mediapersons, Ivan said, “Under the guidance of Dakshina Kannada Amateur Body Builders Association and State Amateur Body Builders Association, Mangaluru city is ready to host the 64th National Level Body Building Championship – 2016.”
“About 250 body builders from 29 different states will come down to Mangaluru on February 11 to take part in the two day competition which will be held on 12 and 13 February. The contestants will be eyeing to win the titles of ‘Bharat Kumar’, ‘Bharat Uday’, ‘Bharat Kesari’, ‘Bharat Kishore’ and ‘Bharat Shri’,” Ivan said. Winners will be awarded with cash prizes along with the title trophies.
Ivan further said that the coastal district of Mangaluru has given the nation the most number of body builders, including the title of ‘Mr. World’ (Raymond D’Souza). The city has also produced several other national and international level achievers who have been honoured with, Ekalavya, Rajyotsava and Jeevan Shrest awards. Dakhsina Kannada district has more than a 100 gyms and fitness centers with state of the art modern equipment. “The city hosted the first body building championship in the year 1956 under the guidance of Keshav Adiga,” he added.
“There are many benefits being a body builder. Along with a fit body a body builder will enjoy other perks as well. Many of the body builders the city has produced are employed in the banking sector, excise department, police force and have also become coaches to nurture the future generation,”. He further said that many fitness companies will come forward to display their equipment on the days of the competition so that the youth are encouraged to take up activities that promote fitness and the well being of the society.
“Many committees have been set up for the smooth functioning of the competitions. The contestants will be given free accommodation and will be served with free nutritious and hygienic food. We are also in talks with the local and state television channels for the rights to broadcast the event live,” Ivan said.
The welcome committee will be headed by the District minister in-charge, B Ramanth Rai along with Minister for Fisheries, Sports and Youth Services, K Abhaychandra Jain, Health minister UT Khader, MP Naleen Kumar Kateel, Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, Deputy Commissioner AB Ibrahim, City Police Commissioner Chandra Sekhar and ZP CEO Sreevidya.
MLC Ivan D’souza be the President of the committee, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Dr D Veerendra Hegde will be the special invitee. MLA JR Lobo, MLA Mohiudeen Bava, MLC Prathapchandra Shetty, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik and other dignitaries will be present in the committee.
Former mayor Shashidhar Hegde, Secretary of DK Amateur Body Builders Association, Raymond D’souza, Yeshwanth, Dinesh and others were also present.
