Emmanuel Muhuwa reclaims Mr Malawi title
Emmanuel Muhuwa underlined his built-up credentials to reclaim the Mr Malawi Bodybuilding title at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) in Blantyre on Saturday.
It came as a relief to the champion, who lost the title at the same venue in 2018, having won it in 2017.
The 27-year-old said it was not easy to emerge victorious during the contest that attracted 15 bodybuilders.
“I had to be on a strict special diet for the last three months. It was tough as I had to eat unsalted food to improve my muscle definition. I was at pains after I dropped to third position during the last event,” Muhuwa said.
The champion received K1.3 million, a year-long meal voucher worth K800,000 from Kips Restaurant and a gold medal.
Another well-known bodybuilder Wellington Mwangonde finished on second position, with Frazer Zeka finishing on third position.
Mwangonde got K500,000 and a silver medal while Zeka received K200,000 and bronze.
Old Mutual were the main sponsors of the day-long event that was also assisted by Kuhes Sports Complex, Trust Auctioneers, Chilembwe Lodge and Kips.
Despite the absence of well-known bodybuilders like defending champion Chisomo Kajamu and Yasin ‘Ichocho’ Suwedi, the event was colourful.
Kajamu did not compete on personal grounds while Suwedi surprisingly withdrew at the eleventh hour claiming that some youthful bodybuilders had asked him to step down as he was their idol for promoting the sport.
“I was ready to contest but some of the contestants pleaded with me that I should not compete as I am their idol. They suggested to me that I should remain an ambassador of the sport to popularise it further,” he said.
Malawi National Council of Sports Board Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise said the government was happy with the conduct and performance of bodybuilders.
“You (bodybuilders) should remain disciplined to promote the country’s flag,” he said.
Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association of Malawi President Arox Kamng’ona was impressed with the turn up.
“This only shows that we are making great strides as far as popularising the sport is concerned,” he said.
