Mr Malawi contest on hold

The Mr. Malawi context will not take place on November 1, as previously arranged by Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association of Malawi (Wabm).

Wabm president Richard Kuwali said the tournament has been put on hold to enable main sponsors, ETC Agro-tractors, to complete work on the proposed budget.

“There should be no cause for worry. I encourage them [bodybuilders] to continue working on their bodies, the tournament will take place only when the dates have been changed,” said Kuwali.

He said apart from ETC Agro-tractors, his organisation is looking for segmented sponsorship from other companies.

“The budget is K2.2 million, but we need more support from the corporate world to come in with any kind of contribution, be it in cash or in kind. We want to make it bigger and better,” said Kuwali.

Last year, the tournament was budgeted at less than a million kwacha and the price money for the winner was K200 000 which was won by Henry Master.

In a separate interview, Master said preparations for Mr. Malawi needs a bodybuilder to invest a lot and it is only proper that the prize money should be more rewarding.

“We need companies to support us more. For a bodybuilder to be in shape and contest for Mr Malawi, a lot of money is needed for good diet and to pay for gym fee. It’s quite expensive as we have to eat special food. It’s only in this country where the pageant is underrated,” said Master.

He added that the deferment of the tournament means more expenditure.

Master also took a swipe at companies in the country for not utilising bodybuilders in their products.

“I have travelled a bit and I have observed that, especially in Zimbabwe and South Africa, top bodybuilders are used to promote health drinks or other products,” said Master.

Renowned sports personality Chiku Kalilombe, who is financing some bodybuilders, also appealed for companies to assist the sport.