MINGORA: Abdul Bari Khan of Sindh and Shahzim Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clinched the titles of Mr Pakistan and Junior Mr Pakistan in the National Bodybuilding contests held here on Sunday.
The 64th Mr Pakistan bodybuilding contests held here in Swat on Sunday in which over 90 musclemen from across the country took part.
The mega event of the bodybuilding contests held for the first time in history in the scenic Swat valley organized by Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation and Directorate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, witnessed by large number of spectators.
Mr Pakistan Abdul Bari Khan told Dawn that he was very much excited to clinch the title of Mr Pakistan. “I was well prepared for the competition and was sure to win the title,” he said, adding that the federation should organize the bodybuilding contests here in Swat as the weather was very pleasant.
Mr Junior Pakistan Shahzim Khan said that his coach and academy had contributed a lot to lift him to the position. “I am very happy and proud that KP won the title. It send a message that we Pakhtuns are peace and sports loving nation,” he said.
Secretary Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation Tariq Parvez said that Swat has huge talent for bodybuilding and several bodybuilders from Swat have proved their talent on national level.
“Owing to the talent in Swat, we decided to organize the biggest event here to acknowledge their efforts and love for the sport. At first bodybuilders from other parts of the country were hesitant to come to Swat but they are excited to come here as they found people very hospitable and the weather pleasant,” he said.
Bodybuilders from Panjab and Sindh said that organizing the event in Swat was really a good decision as they enjoyed a lot. “People of Swat are hospitable and loving and the weather is so pleasant that we don’t feel like to go back,” said Mohammad Zahid a bodybuilder from Faisal Abad who won gold in the 55 Kg category.
General Secretary Swat Bodybuilding Assocation, Syed Iqbal said holding the topmost bodybuilding contest in Swat would promote the game and sent message of Peace to the world.
In the team event Punjab clinched gold after scoring 45 pints while Sindh won silver by scoring 40 points.
