IFBB Mr and Ms World Championship in Fujairah kicks off with amateur contests

The amateur bodybuilding category competition marked the thrilling launch of the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Mr and Ms World Championship in Fujairah on Saturday.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the prestigious championships features participation of 920 athletes including male and female from 116 countries.

The event drew strong official and public attendance, led by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the Emirates Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (EBBF), Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Dr. Rafael Santoga, President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding, and Engineer Mohammed Obaid Bin Majed, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee.

Winners of the opening categories were crowned, alongside the judges.

The opening day featured four weight categories in amateur bodybuilding competitions.

In the 75kg class, Russia’s Denis Gatolin took first place and earned his professional card, with UAE’s Clinton Chi finishing second and Nipuna Lakshan in third. In the 85kg category, Iraq’s Mohammed Jabbar claimed gold and the pro card, followed by Egypt’s Mohammed Sayed in second and UAE’s Abdullah Yousef Al Hosani in third.

In the 95kg division, UAE’s Rawad Walid secured first place and a professional card, Russia’s Artem Golbev came second, and Egypt’s Mahmoud Al Zayat placed third. The Open Weight class saw Egypt’s Maisara Magdy win gold and the pro card, Palestine’s Elias Shahada take second, and Egypt’s Salama Mostafa finish third.

In the Physique category, Jordan’s Diaa Lotfi won the 173cm division, with UAE athletes Sham Shi and Mustafa Qalandawi taking second and third respectively. The Open Height division was dominated by Egypt, as Abdelrahman Yasser claimed first place, Mohammed Khaled secured second, and Russia’s Dmitry Osipov took third.

The Classic category featured three classes. In the 170cm division, Iraq’s Fouad Mahmoud Al-Dulaimi won gold, UAE’s Saddam Hussein finished second, and Jordan’s Abdelhadi Ahmed placed third. In the 180cm class, Said Moradi claimed victory, while UAE athletes Moayad Al-Dabbagh and Hashim Hussein Mustafa finished second and third.

The Open Class was swept by UAE competitors, with Dmitry Blaytes in first, Larry Kalu in second, and Waleed Abdullah Hassan in third.

In the women’s categories, athletes presented exhibition routines in both Physique and Classic divisions as a prelude to Sunday’s official competitions in the professional divisions of Mr. and Ms World Championship.

Four-time world champion David Bodebi of Nigeria, returning for his third Fujairah appearance, said he is eager to add another title despite the fierce competition this year.

Finland’s Mika Sihvonen expressed his dream of winning a professional title in Fujairah, the ‘Capital of Bodybuilding,’ though he admitted the challenge would be tough.

Dr Adel Fahim, President of the Arab and African Federations and First Vice President of the IFBB, praised Fujairah’s leadership for its consistent support, noting the emirate’s strong reputation for hosting world-class bodybuilding events under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

“I am proud to be in Fujairah, a city I have visited many times. Each time I return, I see remarkable progress in infrastructure, urban development, and tourism diversity. The IFBB always trusts Fujairah with hosting its biggest championships,” said Fahim.

He emphasized that the best organization in bodybuilding championships is always linked with Fujairah, as evidenced by this year’s event at the Zayed Sports Complex.

He also thanked Sheikh Abdullah, the Supreme Organizing Committee headed by Engineer Mohammed Obaid bin Majed, and all partners of the championship for their contributions.