Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Dr. Rafael Santonja and Anis Binous with David Bodebi.

The curtain fell on the Binous Classic Bodybuilding Championship and its accompanying events at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Sunday. Winners of the top places in the second edition of the championship and other events were crowned at the end.

This edition witnessed a record-breaking prize pool of Dhs1.2 million being offered and a large number of participants competing in six sporting events.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Ali Omar, Director of Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, Anis Binous, Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

The presentation ceremony was also attended by Dr. Rafael Santonja, president of International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), and other dignitaries.

The Champions’ Cups were awarded to four players including Emirati Ali Dawai in the Physique category, Oman’s Zaeem Al Fazari in Classic Bodybuilding, Sajad Haidari (IFBB team) in Classic Physique, while the Nigerian David Bodebi won the Champion of Champions title in Bodybuilding.

Bodibe received a cash prize of Dhs110,000, the highest monetary award granted to a champion worldwide.

The championship saw remarkable performances from Emirati players and expats, as well as participants from Egypt, Oman, Syria, and elite players competing under the IFBB banner.

Sheikh Abdullah described the success of the championship as significant and distinguished, achieving great gains in various technical and administrative aspects.

He emphasized that it made a major contribution to bodybuilding in the UAE. He praised the efforts of the organizing committee for attracting a large number of talented players and for their role in encouraging talented athletes to compete, making Binous Classic an important addition to the championships organized in the UAE.

He extended his gratitude to the Dubai Sports Council for supporting the event and to Anis Binous, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, for his tremendous efforts in organizing and ensuring the events success.

For his part, Anis Binous, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, expressed his happiness with the technical and organizational success of the championship.

He said: “We are pleased to see that the main goal of organizing the championship was achieved in this outstanding sporting tournament.

“We are delighted that this Binous Classic has become a distinguished landmark among the international championships organized in the UAE in particular, and globally in general, despite it being only the second edition.

“Thanks to the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, the Dubai Sports Council, and all those who contributed to its success,” he added.

Zwaid Salmeen Al Zaabi, UAE national team’s technical director, was also present at the competition.

He confirmed that the event saw the participation of both Emiratis and expats  citizens and residents who showcased impressive physiques, promising a bright future. “These athletes will be on the radar of the federation for selection in upcoming championships. He thanked Anis for delivering an exemplary edition of bodybuilding competitions.

In the prominent results, Emirati Abdullah Rustam won the silver medal in the 90 kg category, behind Ilia Eshtiani (IFBB), who took the gold.

UAE resident Abakuri won gold in the 80 kg category, while Syrian Ibrahim Shurai came in second.

Egyptians Hassan Mohamed Alwan and Alaa Eid El Khaleq won gold and silver, respectively, in the 75 kg category.

UAE residents Feroz Ata and Ronjit Jandra won gold and silver, respectively, in the 65 kg category.