adminMunyaradzi Musiiwa and Takudzwa Chitsiga
REIGNING Mr Iron man Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga has pulled out of the Mr and Ms Iron man when the event returns to the Odyssey in Kadoma on Saturday. Chimuchenga yesterday cited medical grounds for his withdrawal. This year’s Mr and Ms Iron man competition will be held under the theme “I am Zim strong’’.
But Chimuchenga will be missing in action as he is battling with malaria and that has affected his fitness levels and training ahead of one of the country’s most prestigious body-building events on the National Federation of Zimbabwe Body-building and Fitness (NFZBBF) calendar.
“I have withdrawn from the competition because I am suffering from malaria and this has affected me greatly. I have not been able to train and therefore I won’t be able to participate in this year’s edition of Mr and Ms Iron man scheduled for Saturday,” he said.
With Chimuchenga pulling out to fight his own battle with malaria, it has left the door open for reigning Mr Zimbabwe, Champion Chienderamwano to be favourite.
Chienderamwano confirmed his participation and the Gweru-based athlete is relishing the opportunity of winning the contest.
This year’s event will have six divisions — senior men body-building, junior men body-building under 21, ladies figure, men fitness physique, disabled men body-building and disabled female body-building.
Other top contenders who have confirmed their participation include seasoned campaigner Eddie Marondera , Brighton Mazikana, Garikayi Mujuru, Blessing Nyapimbi, Nunurai Masosonere and veteran Partson Chatedzuka.
Other participants are Rutendo Banda and Kadoma-based athlete, Tapiwa Chibota.
In the juniors section Ray Mutandiri and Takudzwa Kaisi will be among those parading their muscles.
Mr and Ms Iron man’s past winners include Givemore Marume, Tendayi Chaipa, Zumailer Eusen Mamman, Paul Chidzero, Vincent Kandiyero, Chimuchenga, Walter Munyikwa, Christine Matange and Regina Jonga.
Meanwhile, the women’s category has Matange as the defending champion and she will have to defend her title from Shantel Batch and Jonga among others who will be gunning for honours.
Matange could have her work cut out by Jonga who has recently enjoyed a good spell in South Africa.
Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (ZNBBFF) spokesperson Quiet Shangai said they are geared for the event and everything was now in place.
“Everything is now in place and the event will be on at the Odyssey who are our main partners together with Perfar. Logistics to do with the venue, music, and police clearance is under control.
“The theme for this year’s event is; “I am Zim strong” and we are saying let us fight HIV and AIDS and other chronic diseases through physical activities and nutrition.
The total prize money is $5 000 and the discs for the event will be sold an hour after the show,’ said Shangai.
Categories:
Junior Men Under-21 bodybuilding, Ladies fitness figure, Mr Fitness physique, Disabled female bodybuilding, Disabled male bodybuilding, Senior men body-building.
Online Reporter