Bodybuilders from across South India showed off their fit bodies and bulging biceps to fight it out for the ‘Champion of Champions’ title in the city recently. A strict diet was part of the preparations for the contest.
CHENNAI: J Muniappan, former Mr India and vice president, Tamil Nadu Body Builders Welfare Society (proprietor, Sweat and Fit Gym) in association with South Zonal Body Builders Association, organised Mr South India 2017 in the city recently.
The bodybuilding championship saw over 140 participants from across the five southern States and union territories — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Pondicherry — battling it out for the title of the ‘Champion of Champions’. The championship was divided into nine different weight brackets — 55 kg, 60 kg, 65kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 90 kg and above 90 kg.
Apart from the main title, the participants were also judged in an additional category, Men’s Best Physique, as part of the competition. Talking about the contest rules, J Muniappan said that the participants were asked to showcase seven compulsory poses. “Front double arm bicep, front lat spread, side chest, back double arm bicep, back lat spread, triceps and finally, abdominal and thigh muscles,” he added.
The participants have been following a strict diet as part of their preparations for the contest. “Their water intake for the last 25 days has been minimal for the muscles to look more defined,” said Nagesh Prasad, treasurer, South Zonal Body Builders Association.
The judgement criteria included body symmetry, posing ability, expressions and muscle quality. The overall champ will be awarded a motorbike and a merit certificate.