Kenya-based Chisomo Kajamu and Zimbabwe-based Zumailer Phiri have promised to steal the show at the Ulayaclassic Bodybuilding Tournament this Saturday at Bingu International Conference Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe.
However, they face stiff competition from reigning Mr Malawi Brown Gondwe, former Mr Malawi winners Henry Master, Emmanuel Gama and self-styled people’s champion Yasin ‘Ichocho’ Suwedi.
Up-and-coming challengers Emmanuel Muhuwa, former weightlifting champion Thoko Kakhongwe and Thoko Changwilampeni also join the fray to upstage the veterans.
Ulayaclassic chairperson Charles Ulaya said the presence of the two foreign-based bodybuilders would make the tournament competitive and exciting.
He said: “I would like to thank them for coming back home to participate in Ulayaclassic. Everyone needs to compete at a local competition so that you have your local record. The contest is expected to bring a lot of surprises given the period that was given to the bodybuilders to prepare.”
Kajamu said he was in the country to show local bodybuilders his skills.
Phiri has vowed to win the K1 million prize of the champion.
Fifty-five body builders have registered for the inaugural Ulayaclassic Bodybuilding Tournament following pre-judging exercise carried out between July and August.
The exercise examined the bodybuilders’ fitness levels and determine how best they can improve before the actual tournament.
The bodybuilders underwent special training in preparation for the tournament, according to Ulaya.
Ulayaclassic also has a challenge element in which prominent individuals are dared to lead by example in exercising.
He said the element is aimed at using prominent personalities as role models to encourage the public to do exercises.
Vice-President Saulos Chilima, who is also Ulayaclassic Challenge Ambassador, will be the guest of honour at the event.
Meanwhile, pre-selling of tickets to the event has started at K20 000 VIP and K10 000 standard.
The tickets are available at Chitawira Puma Filling Station in Blantyre and Area 8 Puma Filling Station in Lilongwe.
