BODY BUILDING
Thai hosts to take on Asia at ChampionshipsBy The Nation
Published on June 29, 2011 Bodybuilders from more than 30 countries are set to flex their muscles in the 45th AFBF Asian Body-building Championships from October 2-8 at Bangkok's Thai-Japan Youth Welfare Centre.
Boontham Sriboonthong, secretary-general of the Thailand Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, revealed that the TBFA received the nod to host the contest from governing body the Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.
He said the one-week competition would feature a total of 31 divisions in eight categories.
"Bodybuilders from Singapore, Vietnam, Burma, China, South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Ukraine and Kazakhstan have already confirmed their participation," Boontham said. "I think bodybuilders from more than 30 nations will compete this time. Confirmation of the exact number is expected at the end of August."
He added that a total of 42 home bodybuilders and fitness competitors will be chasing seven gold medals at the Asian meet.
"After a period in intensive training, they will be ready to impress judges with their great shape and fantastic muscles. As hosts, we are targeting seven gold medals. Everyone has been training hard to make that initial target a reality."
The previous edition was split last year between Iran (mainly for men's events) and Singapore (for women's events and some men's divisions). Thailand captured 16 medals, including nine golds and three silvers. Three of the nine gold-medal-winning performances came from bodybuilders alone, including one from Somkid Sumethowejchakul, who went on to capture the world crown last year.
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