Sheikh Abdullah crowns winners of UAE Power Meet Championship

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, crowned the winners of the UAE Power Meet Powerlifting Championship, organised by Desert Barbell Strength Gym.

The event was held in cooperation with the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. The 16th edition of the championship for men and women was held at the Holiday Inn in Dubai Science Park.

Sheikh Abdullah gave away the prizes in presence of Marco Cipolat, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Faisal Al Zaabi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation and Patrik Hedqvist, co-founder and head coach at the Desert Barbell Strength Gym.

The competition featured six weight categories for women and youth, and seven for men and youth.

In the standout results, Ukrainian Stanislav Zdrobilko won the gold medal in the 83 kg category and the title of Best Overall Male Lifter, while India's Karishma Reddy took gold in the 63 kg category and the title of Best Overall Female Lifter. Emirati Essa Al Marzouqi won gold in the 83 kg youth category.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the efforts of the organizing committee and the high level of competition, noting that this championship plays an important role in promoting the sport and discovering talented athletes for the national team.

Cipolat, chairman of the organizing committee, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the UAE Power Meet Powerlifting Championshipwhich has been held twice in a year over the past nine years.

He attributed the event's sustainability and achievements to the crucial support provided by the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

Cipolat highlighted the championship’s role in promoting sports and discovering new talent.

Looking ahead, he commended the efforts of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation in preparing to host the World Championship in 2027, which will feature over 1,000 athletes.

He expressed hope that the UAE Power Meet championship will contribute to strengthening the UAE national team for this prestigious event.

He also congratulated the UAE for securing two medals at a recent competition in South Africa — a silver for Zaabi and a bronze for Mohammed Al Humaidi.