Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi and Dr Tod A. Laursen with the winners of the women’s competition.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the Emirates Federation for Bodybuilding and Fitness, crowned the winners of the American University of Sharjah's (AUS) men’s and women’s Intercollegiate Powerlifting Championship.

This year's competition witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with a remarkable 119 participants representing 18 universities in the men's competition and eight universities in the women's event.

Sheikh Abdullah gave away the prizes in the presence of Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah, and his wife, Jeniffer Laursen.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the exceptional professionalism that characterized the championship and described the organization as an ideal experience for participants in the competitions. He expressed his willingness to assign the American University of Sharjah to host an international bodybuilding championship in the coming years as recognition of its excellence in various aspects.

Following a dominant performance, the American University of Sharjah took top spot in the team category of the men’s competition with 80 points. The University of Sharjah finished second after securing 64 points, while the University of Birmingham, Dubai, settled for the third spot with 47 points.

In the women’s category, UAE University took top honours with 61 points. The American University of Sharjah finished second with 42 points, and the University of Sharjah finished third with 27 points.

The American University of Sharjah’s Ahmed Bassem emerged as the best lifter in the individual men’s competition. His teammate Nartan Shapsugh was second, and Abbas Mohamed Zahid of UAE University finished third.

The women's category was also dominated by American University of Sharjah athletes as

Rewa Hajjar was on top with a thin margin, ahead of Raniya Al Janabi of the University of Sharjah. Lana Orabi finished third.

The Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah hailed the Student Athletics and Recreation Department at AUS.

Laursen expressed his happiness at the success of the championship and the high sportsmanship spirit that prevailed during the competitions. He commended the excellent organization of the championship and congratulated the participants who demonstrated exceptional strength and skill.