Sports and Games

Mr Blantyre contest on the cards

Mr Blantyre contest on the cards
TOUGH AS TEAK—
Kasambara flexes his muscles

African Herbal Mixture (AHM) Managing Director Joel Chirambo has disclosed plans to introduce Mr Blantyre Bodybuilding and Powerlifting contest.

Chirambo broke the news during this year’s Mr Zomba Bodybuilding and Powerlifting competition at Naminyowe Villa in Zomba on Tuesday.

AHM was one of the sponsors of the event.

Chirambo said talks were at an advanced stage with various stakeholders to introduce the competition in Blantyre.

“We intend to have this event within this year as part of promoting powerlifting and bodybuilding. For a start, the top five in Mr Zomba competition will compete against their Mr Blantyre counterparts. This will help the bodybuilders to share skills and tactics. So lovers of the two games should look out for this great event,” he said.

During the Zomba contest, policeman Harris Kasambara shrugged off stiff competition from seven other athletes to retain the bodybuilding championship.

Kasambara, who received a gold medal and K250,000 for his victorious performance, attributed his success to hard work.

“I was determined and focused during my preparations for this competition. I am now eyeing the Mr Malawi contest slated for December this year,” he said.

Victor Chimwaza finished as runner-up in the category for the second year in a row and received K150,000.

The competition also saw its four-time winner Othaniel Kanyenda making a return after a two-year absence.

Kanyenda finished third and received K80,000.

The powerlifting title went to Malawi Defense Force soldier Moses Mphinga who won it a record fifth time.

Mphinga managed to lift 643 kilograms in a series of weightlifting sets and pocketed K300,000.

“I am so delighted that I have retained the title after missing last year’s event while on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I appeal to stakeholders to consider introducing a national powerlifting contest so that we raise the game to another level,” he said.

The competition’s lead organiser Bright Limani said he was impressed with stakeholders’ support towards the annual sport event.