Meropa host Sunfest for new and experienced bodybuilders
Limpopo Bodybuilding Association chairperson Dr Aadil Khan said the competition accentuated their aim to expose rare sporting codes to those who may be interested.
POLOKWANE – The Sunfest festival for new and experienced bodybuilding and arm-wrestling athletes on Saturday at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World, was a humbling opportunity for first-timers and experienced participants on an international platform.
This Limpopo classic saw participants such as Peterson Williams from Botswana, the reigning bodybuilding champion on the day, gain further confidence to rise into international glory.
Up against him was Jan Vorster from Polokwane, who put himself through a strict diet as part of the discipline of the sport, as a first-timer.
The first time female armwrestler, Mpho Marakalala, also from Botswana, said she would train harder to strengthen her muscles for the next competitions. Marakalala tested her muscle retention against multi-awarded competitor and referee, Rosemary Botha.
The competition was supported by the Limpopo Bodybuilding Proteas, International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) and Fitness and the South African Armwrestling Federation (Saaf).
Limpopo Bodybuilding Association chairperson Dr Aadil Khan said the competition accentuated their aim to expose rare sporting codes to those who may be interested to compete at a professional and international level.
The Polokwane-based medical doctor who specialises in rejuvenation and sports medicine remarked: “We would like to establish a nice bodybuilding structure, seeing that it is a scarce sport. This is an opportunity for athletes, whether priviledged or not, to grow and eventually reach Protea colours and represent the country on bigger stages. To the first-timers, remember the first experience is always a nervous one.”
He expressed the hope that many athletes will compete in the provincial competition in 2024, from there being able to represent the province on a national platform.
