News from IFBB! - IFBB ELITE CIRCUIT to be launced!

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INVITATION TO IFBB WORLD SEMINAR FOR JUDGES AND COACHES

Are you interested in learning what the IFBB is all about,

what the judges are looking for, and the do’s and don’ts of

posing, the secrets of preparation for a contest ? Well, to

hear that there will be a perfect opportunity for you on April

6th, 2013 in Vilnius, Lithuania where Pawel Filleborn, the

Chairman of the IFBB Judges Committee, will run (in

English) the International Seminar from the successful series

of the World Judges Seminars. This is your opportunity to

learn and gain as much information as you can. We look

forward to seeing you all there, everyone is welcome.

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In today's news;

NEW MANAGING BOARD OF THE ESTONIAN BODYDUILDING AND FITNESS FEDERATION

On January 31 regular elections to the Managing Board of the Estonian BFF took place.

Arnold Tokko was reelected as the President of Estonian BFF and three new members to the Managing Board were included. The Managing Board consists of seven people now.

Arnold Tokko President

Ergo Metsla Vice-president

Ott Kiivikas Vice-president

Vahur Reimets

Priit Kull

Jüri Vilo

Indrek Otsus Gen.Secretary

PRESIDENT SANTONJA WILL VISIT LAHTI FINLAND

President Santonja will visit Lahti, Finland, this weekend to attend the Nordics Federation meeting, organized by the Nordics Federation President Mr. K.P. Ourama. Pawel Filleborn will join the President during this visit. Bodybuilding is booming in Nordic countries and this meeting is at the beginning of the season, to help dynamize and improve coordination and efficiency for the IFBB activities in the area.

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Most of the recent IFBB newsletter have focused on upcoming Arnold Classic Amateur. For all the AC updates, please visit HERE.

Then news from the IFBB Bulgaria;

PATRIK ANGELOV ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE BULGARIAN BODYBUILDING AND FITNESS FEDERATION

On the annual National Congress ( February 16th, 2013) Mr. Aleksandar Stalyiski resigned from its position as a President of the Bulgarian Federation.Throughout his leaderships two main Championships (European Men's BB in 2011 and World Classic BB in 2012) were organized in Bulgaria along with several Judges Seminars and other successful international activities.

Mr. Stalyiski is staying as Honorary President and will continue to help dedicatedly to our sport.

The IFBB wishes to convey its great appreciation to this great leader, knowing that he will maintain his support for our sport and lifestyle.

After unanimous vote Patrik Angelov collects 100 percent of the ballots.

Mr. Angelov was BBBFF President 1998 - 2009 and Vice President 2009 - 2013 .

Two new Executive Council Member were elected as follows:

1. Danail Genev - he is also a Coach of the National Team.

2. Georgi Dimitrov - former heavyweight bodybuilding champion.

BBBFF Managing Board :

President: Patrik Angelov

Honorary President: Aleksandar Stalyiski

Members:

Georgi Georgiev

Vladimir Boyanov

Kim Merdjanov

Svetomir Hubenov

Ivan Todorov

Georgi Georgiev

Petko Gaitandjiev

Danail Genev

Georgi Dimitrov

Ivan Penkov

Our congratulations and wishes of continued success to Patrick Angelov and all his executive board in this new period

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The IFBB received an official letter, from UAE Bodybuilding Federation General Secretary Colonel Abdel Karim Mohamed Saeed, confirming the full incorporation of this Federation, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Ben Hammad Ben Mohamed Alsharqi, to the IFBB activities as an active member.

In close cooperation with the Arab Federation and its President, Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim El Sayed, the UAE will play an active role in the international calendar of events.

We would like to extend our warmest welcome to the UAE Federation that has as General Secretary a long standing and experience IFBB official, Colonel Abdel Karim Mohamed Saeed.

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IFBB AT THE 10TH CENTRAL AMERICAN GAMES

by Andrew Michalak

The jubilee, 10th Central American Olympic Games has just started in San Jose, Costa Rica. The opening ceremony of the Games took place at the National Stadium, with the opening speech by the Costa Rican President, Honorable Laura Chinchilla, who said - “These athletes speak of a Central America that responds with a message of peace and brotherhood to the challenges of violence and criminality.”

Then, 1000 artists performed a show called “Costa Rica Pura Vida,” evoking nature elements of earth, air, water and fire. Former swimmer Silvia Poll – silver medal winner at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games – lit the cauldron. The two-week event will be attended by 2738 athletes participating in 26 sports events. The Games are opened to the National Federations affiliated with the Central American Sports Organization (Organización Deportiva Centroamericana) ORDECA, so the following countries take part at the Games: Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The host country invested over USD 25 million in the construction of one Sport City located in Hatillo and some remodeling in the rest of 22 sport venues of the Games.

Bodybuilding has taken part in all Central American Games since 1991. Bodybuilding contest, as well as taekwondo, will be run at the Liceo de San José, under the supervision of the Central American Bodybuilding Confederation (Confederación Centroamericana de Fisicoculturismo) President Eng. Eduardo Abdalah of Nicaragua and the IFBB Judges Committee Chairman Pawel Filleborn. The event will be honored with the presence of the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja. According to the Organizing Committee, 89 physique sports athletes from Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador will perform on the stage.

The following physique sports will be run at this edition of the Games:

Women:

- Fitness open category

- Bodyfitness: 153 cm; 158 cm; 163 cm and over 163 cm categories

- Bodybuilding up to 55 kg and over 55 kg

Men:

- Junior bodybuilding open category (up to 23 years old)

- Master bodybuilding open category (over 40 years old)

- Fitness open category

- Classic Bodybuilding open category

- Men’s bodybuilding: 60 kg; 65 kg; 70 kg; 75 kg; 80 kg; 85 kg and over 85 kg

Among them we will see so famous names like 2011 Arnold Amateur Championships bodyfitness winner Sussety Tabash (Costa Rica) and Central American and Caribbean champion Diego Salinas (El Salvador).

The event will be drug-tested. The samples will be collected by the Medical Division of the Organizing Committee, according to the WADA standards.

Pictures:

Estadio Nacional in San Jose – the main venue of the Games.

Fireworks show during the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

The Liceo de San Jose – the venue for physique sports.

The poster of the Games.

National BodyBuilding Team of El Salvador with the IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja (standing in the center).

Costa Rican bodyfitness star Susetty Tabash.

Bodybuilding star from El Salvador, Diego Salinas.

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THE OLYMPIC FAMILY IN CENTRAL AMERICA WITH THE IFBB

With occasion of the bodybuilding and fitness events held at the Central American Games in San Jose, Costa Rica, belonging to the Olympic Program, many officials from the Olympic Family attended the participation of the IFBB.

In the picture we can see from left to right with President Santonja, the Magistrate of the Supreme Court and President of the Central American Olympic Organization Mr. Emmtt Lang, IOC member Mr. Meliton Sanchez, President of the Central American Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Mr. Eduardo Abdalah, General Secretary of the Olympic Committee of Costa Rica Mr. Juan Santiago Estrada, and Executive member of the Nicaraguan Olympic Committee

In the picture we can see General Juan Santiago Estrada, General Secretary of the Olympic Committees, and Mr. Roland Cerdá, executive member of the Nicaraguan Olympic Committee.

IRAN IN CLOSE TIES WITH IFBB

Dr. Ashtiyani, President of the Iranian bodybuilding federation travelled to Spain meeting President and General Secretary of IFBB fulfilling the reinstatement of Iran into the IFBB ,in coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran Ministry of Sport and Youth.

Iranian athletes have been participating this year in IFBB events with some IFBB dedicated officials like Omid Omiri, Ali Tabrizzi, Dr. Sasani and others.

This settlement is guarantying now the best cooperation in benefit of the progression of our sport and life style in Iran.

Dr. Ashtiyani is a dedicated sport official with an excellent background of services of sport and health.

In the pictures, from right to left, Dr. Ashtiyani, Dr. Rafael Santonja and Mr. William Tierney.

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ARAB CONGRESS IN ALEXANDRIA

o The Arab Congress held in Alexandria, Egypt during the period from 25 to 28 February, 2013.

o Sixteen (16) countries participating in the congress out of the Eighteen (18) Arab counties affiliated to the Arab bodybuilding federation.

o The Participating were as follows: Tunisia – Morocco – Sudan – Libya – Egypt – Qatar – Bahrain – Kuwait – Emirates – Oman – Jordan – Lebanon – Palestine – Syria – Iraq – Yemen.

o The United Arab Emirates joined formally the IFBB after a long period.

The Head table of the congress: (from left to right)

a. Mr. Mohamed El Batat, the General Secretary of the Arab federation.

b. Mr. Kamal Sliman the deputy of the general secretary of the Arab national Olympic committees.

c. Dr. Adel Fahim the Executive assistant to the President of the IFBB & the President of the Arab federation.

d. Mr. Malih Alaywan the vice President of the IFBB, Middle East.

e. Mr. Sami Bachir, the Executive Director of the Arab & Egyptian bodybuilding federation.

Dr. Adel Fahim & Mr. Malih Alaywan.

Mr. Abdel Kareem Saeed – the General Secretary of the Emirates bodybuilding federation.

Mr. Tarek Ali – the Executive Director of the Bahraini bodybuilding federation.

Mr. Manar Haikal – the President of the Syrian bodybuilding federation.

Mr. Haidar Al Dakhil – the General Secretary of the Syrian bodybuilding federation.

Mr. Abdel Maguid El Demnati – the President of the Moroccan bodybuilding federation.

On the left Mr. Abdel Kareem Saeed – the General Secretary of the Emirates bodybuilding federation & on the right side Mr. Zaid Al Kasemy the President of the Yemen federation.

On the left General Nazih Abdel Rahim the President of the Palestine bodybuilding federation on the right Dr. Salim AL Bahri, the President of the Omani bodybuilding federation.

Dr. Adel Fahim the Executive assistant to the President of the IFBB & the President of the Arab federation..

See all the photos HERE.

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IFBB report from the Central American games - http://www.ifbb.com/page_report.php?id=113

INDIAN FEDERATION CUP 2013

Over 300 athletes participated in the Indian Federation Cup 2013 last week.

In the picture, from left to right, Ravi Prashar, Dr Randhir Hastir, Rajesh Sawant, Sanjay More, Ashok Mittal, Mrs Rashmi Mittal With Overall Champion Amit Chhetri.

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Men's physique spreads around the world - now SKKF (IFBB in Sweden) officially accepted Men's physique division ...

MEN'S PHYSIQUE OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED AS NEW SPORT IN SWEDEN

President Swedish BodyBuilding and Fitness Federation Per Sundström report to ifbb press that Men´s Physique is now officially accepted as new sport in Sweden.

"The sport will be a great addition to our family and a first step for those who just started their bodybuilding & fitness lifestyle".

First competition will be at the Swedish championships in Athletic Fitness & Bikini Fitness the 3rd of August 2013.

Besides the news from Sweden, IFBB newsletter today shares also information of upcoming Women's World Cup to be held in Kiev Ukraine on 2nd weekend of April;

KIEV IS READY FOR THE WORLD LADIES CUP

This amazing event including fitness and bikini categories will be a great meeting point for the best athletes of this modalities,with an attractive program and excellent price awards.see for details at CLICK HERE

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IFBB FOUNDING FATHER JOE WEIDER HAS PASSED AWAY

The founding father of the IFBB our dear friend Joe Weider has sadly passed away. President Rafael Santonja, who is in the UAE at this moment, received the news a few hours ago and said: We are all very sad. Joe Weider will always be remembered as the father of bodybuilding, who gave his heart and soul to our sport. God Bless him and may he rest in peace.

Joe Weider ," the trainer of champions "with his charismatic sense of creativity,and dedication,, inspired,worldwide to millions of youngsters from many generations thought his magazines ,started in 1936 and the legendary Weider method and principles.

In 1946 he founded with his brother Ben, the IFBB.

His fruitful life, dedicated to the health and the sport is a great legacy for all.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES BODYBUILDING FEDERATION FULLY REINCORPORATED TO THE IFBB

We are pleased to announce the full reincorporation of the Arab Emirates Bodybuilding Federation to the IFBB.

President Santonja, joined by his Executive Assistant and Vice-President for Africa Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim El Sayed, travelled to Dubai and Fujairah, meeting with H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, President of the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Vice-President of the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation, together with all the officials and board members of the Emirates Federation, with its General Secretary Colonel Abdel Karim Saeed. The Emirates General Authority of Youth & Sports Welfare was present with the Head of the UAE Olympic Committee and sports federations Mr. Ahmed Al Abdouli.

A press conference was held releasing this important news at national and international level in the region.

IFBB expresses thanks to H.H. Sheikh Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah for their wise leadership in a decision most welcome by athletes and officials of United Arab Emirates that may participate in all IFBB activities with immediate and full effect.

President Santonja and the IFBB delegation met as well with H.H. the Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, in a meeting in which the IFBB paid its respects to the Royal Family and took the opportunity to talk about future projects in the country, holding afterwards other fruitful meetings and talks on projects for upcoming educational activities and international events.

At the press conference from left to right: Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim, President Santonja, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Mr. Ahmed Al Abdouli and Colonel Abdel Karim Saeed

H.H. Crown Prince of Fujairah receives the IFBB delegation in his office. From left to right, Colonel Abdel Karim, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah, President Santonja, H.H. Crown Prince of Fujairah, Dr. Adel Fahim

A moment of the meeting of President Santonja with H.H. Crown Prince of Fujairah

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi received from the IFBB the Gold Order in recognition of his wise leadership.

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2013 WORLD LADIES CUP – OFFICIAL LIST OF INVITED ATHLETES

by Andrew Michalak

According to the schedule, Ukrainian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation announced on Tuesday the final list of athletes invited to the 1st World Ladies Cup to be held in Kyiv on April 11th to 14th, 2013. This new event, will be top exciting and will be run according to the highest IFBB standards. The list of 47 invited athletes is as follows:

WOMEN’S FITNESS UP TO 163 CM

1. Mariia Koval - Ukraine

2. Maria Nevgad - Ukraine

3. Melinda Szabó - Hungary

4. Kristina Koroljak - Estonia

5. Ekaterina Mashinskaya - Russia

6. Maria Koroleva - Russia

WOMEN’S FITNESS OVER 163 CM

1. Olga Demchuk - Ukraine

2. Maryna Kisiv - Ukraine

3. Natalia Nazarenko -Kiivikas - Estonia

4. Endla Vaher - Estonia

5. Lyudmila Nikitina - Russia

6. Yulia Postika - Russia

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS UP TO 163 CM

1. Anastasia Bezkarovaynaya - Ukraine

2. Olga Chapovskaya - Ukraine

3. Daria Shevchenko - Ukraine

4. Elena Ostrischenko - Ukraine

5. Julia Chunikhina - Ukraine

6. Eleonora Alibayeva - Ukraine

7. Veronika Shmalii - Ukraine

8. Olga Guskova - Russia

9. Yana Kashcheeva - Russia

10. Ariana Akchurina - Russia

11. Syuzanna Sukiasyan - Russia

12. Kornelia Pietrzyk - Poland

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS UP TO 168 CM

1. Liudmyla Diachuk - Ukraine

2. Olga Viazmetinova - Ukraine

3. Yuliia Vasylieva - Ukraine

4. Diana Salamon - Hungary

5. Tatjana Kreit - Estonia

6. Olga Syromyatnikova - Russia

7. Zinaida Rudenko - Russia

8. Svetlana Eregina - Russia

9. Eva Nutilová - Czech Republic

10. Marína Hámová - Czech Republic

11. Karin Majorosova - Slovakia

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS OVER 168 CM

1. Anastasia Litvinenko - Ukraine

2. Alla Semenova - Ukraine

3. Dariya Karelina - Ukraine

4. Elena Guseva - Ukraine

5. Maria Kvasnikova - Ukraine

6. Elena Roman - Ukraine

7. Egle Eller-Nabi - Estonia

8. Aleksandra Laer - Estonia

9. Yulia Myakisheva - Russia

10. Natalya Nevskaya - Russia

11. Marie Mikšová - Czech Republic

Fitness categories are shorter, so all participants will enter the final and will be able to perform their posing routines. In the short class the next top exciting meet of Melinda Szabo and Kristina Koroljak. They both met last December at the World Juniors Championships in Budapest, when Szabo won both routine rounds and Koroljak both physique rounds. What will be the result of their next duel in Kiev? And the next girl from the finals in Budapest: Maria Koval plus 2011 European Championships runner-up Ekaterina Mashinskaya. Super interesting category!

In the tall class one IFBB superstar: European overall champion and Women’s Worlds runner-up Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas. Recently she lost to Alevtyna Titarenko only but Titarenko will not come to Kiev, so… Who could challenge her? 2012 World Cup winner Olga Demchuk? Junior world champion Yulia Postika? They will try but it seems to be an extraordinary tough goal.

Bikini fitness up to 163 cm: many new girls with not so many renown stars. But bikini is a very “unstable” category regarding the results, so we can expect everything. New stars are born every contest. The best known name is Daria Shevchenko who won the silver medal at the 2012 European Championships but lost to Kornelia Pietrzyk at the 2012 Women’s Worlds. Then we can see the Junior Worlds runner-up Eleonora Alibayeva and the latest Arnold America top 10 Yana Kashcheeva. Nothing can be predicted.

Bikini fitness up to 168 cm: interesting situation: Liudmyla Diachuk placed 4th at three big international contests last year: European Championships, Arnold Classic Europe and World Championships. Nobody on the start list has better statistics. Now she will have a great chance to move up. Svetlana Eregina placed 7th at 2012 Arnold Classic Europe and 7th at 2013 Arnold America. Will try to move up also. Olga Viazmetinova took the 3rd position in Columbus few weeks ago but in the higher class, so they will meet for the first time. These are the most probable candidates to the top three.

Bikini fitness over 168 cm: Egle Eller -Nabi used to take 3rd or 4th positions at many top international contests last year but at the 2013 Arnold America she advanced to the 2nd position. Her expectations and possibilities are going up. But at the 2012 European Championships she lost to Elena Guseva, so the battle may be tough. Natalya Nevskaya entered the finals at the recent Arnold America, Marie Mikšová was in the top 10. Maybe someone new will make a surprise?

Pictures:

Some of the best known stars coming to Kiev:

Melinda Szabó (Hungary).

Kristina Koroljak (Estonia).

Olga Demchuk (Ukraine).

Natalia Nazarenko -Kiivikas (Estonia).

Daria Shevchenko (Ukraine).

Kornelia Pietrzyk (Poland).

Liudmyla Diachuk (Ukraine).

Svetlana Eregina (Russia).

Elena Guseva (Ukraine).

Egle Eller-Nabi (Estonia).

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP AND CONGRESS - ALMATY, KAZAKHATAN (MAY 31 - JUNE 3rd, 2013)

Under the direction of the President of the Kazakhstan Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Ipkayev Rafik, with a long standing record as an experienced IFBB official and outstanding athlete, everything is ready to welcome Asian countries in the active and dynamic city of Almaty, to establish a new record of participation for our sport in Asia in its continuous growth under the leadership of Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness President Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa.

IFBB Executive Assistant General Secretary Rauf Bunyataliyev visited recently the city in coordination with the Asian Federation confirming the excellent level of preparation.

More details at HERE

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa and Dr. Santonja with the overall winner of the Asian Championsip 2011

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In the recent IFBB news ...

BREAKING NEWS: BODYBUILDING AT THE EUROPEAN GAMES

IFBB will participate in the program of the upcoming EUROPEAN GAMES, organized by the European Olympic Council in its first official edition in 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The organizing committee has confirmed the incorporation of male bodybuilding and female fitness events, with 5 and 1 categories respectively.

The participation in the European Games is a meaningful step forward in the process of our Olympic recognition, being key for this success the excellent relationship that the IFBB has with the Azerbaijan sports authorities and the good performance of the Azerbaijan Federation and his President Rauf Bunyataliyev, plus the excellent relation with key members of the European Olympic family. More information to follow.

Minister Azad Rajimov with President Santonja at the Opening Cermony of the IFBB World Championship in Baku

Rauf Bunyataliyev, President of the Azerbaijan Bodybuilding Federation and IFBB Assistant General Secretary with Dr. Santonja and Mohammed Touri, overall winner at the IFBB World Championship 2010 in Baku.

Azad Rahimov Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Republic

Also a short reviews from the Scandinavian events Loaded Cup & BMR GP;

2013 LOADED CUP: NEW STAR FROM GERMANY

by Andrew Michalak

Over 80 athletes from 14 countries came to Ringsted, Denmark, to participate in the 2013 Loaded Cup and we could expect even more if the date was not the same as the Easter Weekend. This is the result of over 10 years activity of the organizer, bodybuilding passionate and man with head full of new ideas Stellan Bossen. Stellan’s warm hospitality and friendship extended to all guests caused people like to come to his contest, where they can battle for substantial money awards (total prize money: 14,750 EUR!) and always see something extraordinary like top pro bodybuilders not only posing on the stage but also delivering interesting seminars. This year it was 2012 Mr. Olympia new star Shawn Rhoden and famous pro of Japanese origin Hidetada Yamagishi.

On the amateur stage, we could see a couple of very exciting battles. Several athletes came to Ringsted having behind earlier experience from this year’s Arnold Amateur America and they might be considered favourites; however it seemed not to be so easy to do a second peak within 5 weeks. So, fresh challengers were successful in some cases....

read more at http://www.ifbb.com/newsletter/detail.php?id=10352&date=2013-04-01&language=english&prov=index

BMR GRAND PRIX: THE TOP TROPHY WENT TO GERMANY!

Andrew Michalak

The Swedish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation re-established a famous former Grand Prix of Sweden under a new name: BMR Grand Prix. The contest still could arouse big interest in the Baltic countries as 118 athletes came to Malmö last weekend to battle for cups and prize money. Most of them were from Sweden but Lithuania, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Poland also entered a smaller teams.

“The competition was a great success, with many very good athletes. Bikini Fitness division was included for the first time and the girls were simply amazing. Two of them will represent Sweden in Santa Susana” – Swedish Federation President Per Sundstrom told after the contest.

The most exciting battles:

Bodybuilding over 100 kg: Paul Poloczek vs. Andrzej Kolodziejczyk. Poloczek was in his life condition, showing incredible waist to shoulder proportions and sharp definition. Nobody could threaten him, event the Worlds runner-up Andrzej Kolodziejczyk. Later on Poloczek proved his domination winning the overall title as well.

Bodyfitness over 163 cm: Marina Richardson vs. Eleonore Eriksson. Round 1 for Eriksson (9:11), Round 2 for Richardson (9:10). But in overall they both were surprised by the short category winner Stina Telhammer, who was crowned the Bodyfitness Queen at this contest.

Bikini fitness overall: Catharina Wahl vs. Sandra Solaric. Very close battle, with one-point victory of Wahl.

Men’s athletic fitness: Christian Egner vs. Robert Berg. Both were tied at the end 6:6, but Egner won the physique round and was declared the final winner.

Category winners in Malmö:

- Men’s bodybuilding over 100 kg: Paul Poloczek (Germany) + overall

- Men’s bodybuilding up to 100 kg: Rabi Fakhro (Sweden)

- Men’s bodybuilding up to 90 kg: Christofer Nober (Sweden)

- Men’s bodybuilding up to 80 kg: Hillary Nambwaya (Sweden)

- Men’s classic bodybuilding open: Tomas Kuronen (Finland)

- Bodyfitness up to 163 cm: Stina Telhammer (Sweden) + overall

- Bodyfitness over 163 cm: Marina Richardson (Sweden)

- Bikini fitness up to 163 cm: Sandra Solaric (Sweden)

- Bikini fitness over 163 cm: Catharina Wahl (Norway) + overall

- Men’s athletic fitness: Christian Egner (Norway)

- Women’s athletic fitness: Jessica Fjellström (Sweden)

Complete report and more photos in the upcoming IFBB Universe online magazine.

Photos:

www.eastlabs.biz

Paul Poloczek (in the center) wins the men’s overall. On the left: Rabi Fakhro (2nd place), on the right: Christofer Nober (3rd place).

2013 BMR Grand Prix best bodybuilder: Paul Poloczek (Germany).

Over 100 kg category battle: Poloczek vs. Kolodziejczyk.

Bodyfitness overall (from L): Anna Liza Valdes (5th place); Eleonore Eriksson (3rd place); Stina Telhammer (1st place); Marina Richardson (2nd place); Emma Melin (4th place); Sofie Rosenvinge (6th place).

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And the latest news from IFBB;

IFBB with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain

Accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Federation, and Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim El Sayed, Executive Assistant to the President, IFBB President Rafael Santonja was honored to meet in Manama, Bahrain, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with occasion of the Asian Electoral Congress that is currently taking place with a massive participation of National Federations.

The Asian Federation, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah, is keeping a very dynamic growth hosting Olympia Amateur in India on October 5, the World Junior and Master Championships in Ulan Bator, Mongolia during the last weekend of October, among many other events.

The Asian Championships will take place from May 31st to June 3rd in Almaty, Kazakhstan. You can see the inspection report at CLICK HERE

IFBB President Dr. Santonja and AFBF President Sheik Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Khalifa, at the Asian Congress in Manama, Bahrain, with the President of the Iranian Bodybuilding Federation, Dr Ashtiyani, and official Omid Amiri, moving forward on the recent reincorporation of the Iranian Bodybuilding Federation, approved by the I.R. Of Iran, to IFBB.

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A lil recap from the Austrian nationals also in IFBB newsletter;

AUSTRIAN NATIONALS – NEW RECORD OF PARTICIPATION

by Andrew Michalak

Leoben, a nice town amidst of green, wooded hills in Arnold Schwarzeneggers´s home-province of Styria, hosted this year´s Int. Austrian Championships and Talents Cup on April 20th, 2013. Joerg Kapfer, the IFBB-Austria Vice-President and his team made a great organization work for 133 athletes, which is a new record of participation in the small country of Austria. Seven countries sent their teams: Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Iceland (!), Slovakia, Slovenia and, of course, Austria. The new IFBB category: Men´s Physique was scheduled for the very first time and it was a tremendous success: 19 athletes took part at that premiere. Also Bikini Fitness was really strong with 29 ladies. Andrea Lackner, the local hero in the Bikini Fitness over 165 cm celebrated a thigh win ahead of Iceland´s beautiful Katrin Edda Thorsteinsdottir.

Massive and impressive Gergö Bognár took along the Bodybuilding Overall title to Hungary. Ripped and elegant Manuel Plachner from Vienna successfully battled for his Classic Bodybuilding Overall title.

President of the IFBB-Austria, Dr. Wolfgang Schober, who competed himself in the open Masters Class, was very pleased by the crowd and the background organization - “We have sold each and every ticket for these Championships. Therefor we had a great, positive atmosphere in Leoben. Our thanks go to all National Federations who have sent athletes to our contest, the dozens of people who helped us in the invisible background and last but not least the fans, who celebrated a “Muskelfest” together with our great athletes on stage.”

But Dr. Schober was also successful on the stage. After his impressive victory at the 2013 Arnold Amateur Championships in Columbus, Ohio, USA, he made the second peak now and won in Austria. And this was not his last word this spring! At the beginning of May we will see him in Santa Susanna, at the European Juniors and Masters Championships. Winning the world masters title in 2011, he has never won the European masters title yet, so this will be the next opportunity to do so.

Complete results (Ergebnislisten) and more photos at www.ifbb-austria.at

Photos:

by courtesy of the IFBB-Austria (Mrs. Silvia Schober).

Andrea Lackner, the local hero and winner of the Bikini-Fitness over 165 cm category.

Gergö Bognár from Hungary won the Overall Bodybuilding title.

Viennese Manuel Plachner took along the giant cup for the Overall in Classic Bodybuilding.

Junior bikini fitness winner Diana Salamon of Hungary.

Winner of the Master Men’s Bodybuilding open category Dr. Wolfgang Schober.

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HREE MINISTERS AT THE LADIES CUP IN KIEV ! by Andrew Michalak

Inauguration of the World Ladies Cup in Kiev was a very spectacular event, attended by three Ukrainian Government Ministers: Minister of Sport, Minister of Education and Science as well as Minister of Ecology. One of them, Mr. Dmitrii Tabachnik, then Deputy Prime Minister, was the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the unforgotten 2007 European Games in Kiev. They stayed full 3 hours and were present a the evening banquet next day.

The formula of the 2,5 hour event, including women’s fitness and bikini fitness seems to be very attractive for the viewers. Nearly 50 beautiful ladies from 8 countries: Belarus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine performed on the stage.

The show was opened with a drum-band performance, then was run by a well-know Ukrainian professional MC, Mr. Andrey Dzhedzhula. The contest was scored by seven IFBB international judges from different countries, with IFBB Judges Committee Chairman Pawel Filleborn as a Chief Judge.

The winners of fitness categories were: multi world champion Melinda Szabo of Hungary and European overall champion Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas of Estonia. In the overall battle Nazarenko-Kiivikas who was born and growing-up in Kiev, won over Szabo.

There were three bikini fitness dominated by Yana Kashcheeva (up to 163 cm), Liudmyla Diachuk (up to 168 cm) and Elena Guseva (over 168 cm). Diachuk, who placed 4th at tree top 2012 IFBB international events, moved to the top this time, winning the overall battle and USD 5000.

2013 WORLD LADIES CUP TOP THREE

WOMEN’S FITNESS UP TO 163 CM

1. Melinda Szabó Hungary 17

2. Kristina Koroljak Estonia 28

3. Ekaterina Mashinskaya Russia 33

WOMEN’S FITNESS OVER 163 CM

1. Natalia Nazarenko -Kiivikas Estonia 10

2. Lyudmila Nikitina Russia 33

3. Olga Demchuk Ukraine 38

WOMEN’S FITNESS OVERALL

1. Natalia Nazarenko -Kiivikas Estonia 5

2. Melinda Szabó Hungary 10

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS UP TO 163 CM

1. Yana Kashcheeva Russia 12

2. Daria Shevchenko Ukraine 13

3. Olga Guskova Russia 14

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS UP TO 168 CM

1. Liudmyla Diachuk Ukraine 7

2. Svetlana Eregina Russia 11

3. Olga Viazmetinova Ukraine 13

WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS OVER 168 CM

1. Elena Guseva Ukraine 8

2. Egle Eller-Nabi Estonia 13

3. Alla Semenova Ukraine 13

BIKINI FITNESS OVERALL

1. Liudmyla Diachuk Ukraine 8

2. Elena Guseva Ukraine 10

3. Yana Kashcheeva Russia 12

Pictures:

by www.eastlab.biz

2013 World Ladies Cup overall winners: Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas (fitness) and Liudmyla Diachuk (bikini fitness).

Fitness up to 163 cm winner: Melinda Szabo (Hungary).

Fitness over 163 cm winner: Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas (Estonia).

Bikini fitness up to 163 cm winner: Yana Kashcheeva (Russia).

Bikini fitness up to 168 cm winner: Liudmyla Diachuk (Ukraine).

Bikini fitness over 168 cm winner: Elena Guseva (Ukraine).

On behalf of the sponsor, Ukrainian bodybuilder Oleg Korkosenko congratulates fitness overall winner Natalia Nazarenko-Kiivikas.

22 Balkan Championship of Bodybuilding and Fitness, 27 April, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Bulgaria was the hosts of the 22nd Balkan Championship of Bodybuilding and Fitness, which was held on 27 April 2013 at the International Plovdiv Fair Court number 6.

The organizers of the event Eng. Kim Merdjanov and Dr. Svetomir Hubenov by the Bulgarian Federation had the idea to turn this event into a sports day of Plovdiv.

For the first time in Plovdiv rallied as sporting events in one place - Bodybuilding, fitness, bikini, body-fitness aerobics, spinning, zumba fitness, street, strongmen, arm wrestling, cycling, bâgane, a versatile athlete.

Athletes and Delegates from Seven Countries were accommodated in the city's most stylish and luxury Sankt Peterburg Park Hotel. One hundred athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina,Bulgaria, FYRO Macedonia,Greece,Romania,Serbia and Slovenia competed in 20 categories.

Bulgaria dominated in all Juniours and Men's Bodybulding Classes, Men's Physiques and Mixed Pairs as well. Serbia was strong in Men's Classic Bodybuilding and Women's Fitness ,Body Fitness and Bikini Categories. Greece took the Women's Physique, and Macedonia won the Master's Bodybuilding.

The overall champions:

1.Juniors Bodybuilding - Yovko Tihov ( Bulgaria) , 2011 European and World Junior BB Champion.

2.Men's Classic Bodybuilding - Milan Savic ( Serbia ).

3.Men's Bodybuilding - Atanas Nikolaev ( Bulgaria) , 2010 European BB Champion.

Complete results in pdf CLICK HERE

Photos:

by the courtesy of Mr. Evgeni Angelov ( Olymp - Magazine ).

PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE

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PRESIDENT SANTONJA VISITED NEONUTRI BOOTH AT THE ARNOLD CLASSIC BRAZIL EXPO

Presidente Santonja, joined by his wife Nieves and Mauricio de Arruda, President of the Brazilian Bodybuilding Federation, visited the very impressive Neonutri booth at the Arnold Classic Brasil, being received by Juliano Moreno, Ludimilla Moreno and Andrea Martinato.

Neonutri is the second largest fitness and health supplement manufacturer in Latin America , being the fastest growing company in the area, with a focus on quality, advanced formulas and well known for their continuous care and support of sport, fitness and healthy lifestyle activities.

Among Neonutri’s strategic plans include expansion into the European, North African and Middle East markets. They recently opened a new, state of the art manufacturing facility at Poços de Caldas en el estado de Minas Gerais.

En the picture, from left to right: Ludimilla Moreno, Juliano Moreno, President Santonja, Nieves Santonja, Andrea Martinato and Mauricio de Arruda

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Some IFBB awards were given out during the European congress;

The Minister of Sports of Moldova, H.E. Octavian Ticu, received the IFBB Distinguished Service Award

H.E. The Minister of Sports of Moldova, Mr. Octavian Ticu, attended the finals at the European Men’s Championship in Chisinau, having had previously a long and friendly meeting with President Santonja and EBFF Executive Members.

Mr. Ticu is a former successful Olympic boxer, being currently a professor of history at the University of Chisinau and has a very dynamic and friendly personality, plenty of passion and dedication for sport.

Minister Ticu will attend the MINEPS V conference from 28-30 May in Berlin, where IFBB will also be present.

Rauf Bunyataliyev received the IFBB Spirit of Sport Award

During the European Congress in Chisinau, Rauf Bunyataliyev, (IFBB Assistant General Secretary, Azerbaijan) received the IFBB Spirit of Sport Award in recognition to his long and fruitful services provided to the IFBB throughout many years of dedication.

Rauf Bunyataliyev organized in 2010 in Azerbaijan one of the best World Championship and Congresses organized in the history of the IFBB and is working in close relation with IFBB Headquarter and President Santonja in many key aspects of our Sport, like the participation in the European Games, inspection visits to Ulan Bator, and many other effective and valuable services to our Federation.

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IFBB WORLD CHILDREN FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING SOON

by Andrew Michalak

IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja has recently approved the final version of the Inspection Report for the upcoming IFBB World Children Fitness Championships. The Championships will take place in Novi Sad, Serbia, and will be the 4th event of this series, which started in 2010 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Last year’s Children Fitness Worlds were also hosted by Novi Sad but this time children will perform in a new, prestigious venue: SNP (Srpsko Narodno Pozoriste) – Serbian National Theatre with over 150 years of tradition, which has got a new building, constructed in 1981, with the largest stage in Serbia and the audience with 940 seats. First time in the IFBB history children will have so comfortable and modern conditions for their performance! This is possible due to the highly efficient activity of the Sipka family in Novi Sad: Biserka, Zorana and Zoran, supported by the City Council Sport Department, with Mr. Alexander Kravic as a Head.

Even this short history of children fitness development in the IFBB has given a very promising results: last year first children grown-up and trained in the IFBB entered the World Juniors Championships and some of them placed at the top, showing high quality performance and physique. Currently, countries developing children fitness are limited to Central and Eastern Europe plus Mexico. We encourage other IFBB National Federations to start the work with children. Satisfaction and good results guarantied! Built our sports from the beginning!

Categories open to the 2013 World Children Fitness Championships:

FITNESS BOYS:

- Up to 12 years of age

- From 13 up to the 15 years of age

FITNESS GIRLS:

- Up to 7 years of age

- From 8 up to the 9 years of age

- From 10 up to the 11 years of age

- From 12 up to the 13 years of age

- From 14 up to the 15 years of age

Each National Federation may enter an A-Team equal to the number of categories (max. of 2 boys and 5 girls) and the same number of competitors in B-Team.

The Final Entry Forms should be sent not later than June 3rd, 2013 !

All competitors will have to present their Passport and music at the registration. European Union citizens need to have a valid Passport to enter Serbia. Others have to check at the Serbian Embassies or Consulates in their countries.

Detailed information and forms available at the Inspection Report already published on this website.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Saturday, June 15th, 2013:

12:00 – 17:00 - Check-in (Novi Sad Hotel).

18:00 – Judges / Managers Meeting

19:00 – Registration

Sunday, June 16th, 2013:

10:00 – Semifinals

18:00 – Finals

21:00 – Farewell Banquet

Monday, June 17th, 2013:

Till 12:00 – Check-out and departures

Pictures:

2012 Children Fitness Worlds (from L): Mr. Zoran Sipka and Mrs. Biserka Sipka awarded with the IFBB Medals presented to them by the IFBB Judges Committee Chairman Pawel Filleborn (right).

Children participated in the 2012 Worlds in Novi Sad with the promoters and judges.

2012 Worlds up to 7 years old category finalists: maybe there is a future world women’s fitness champion among them?

Performing on the stage, children are happy and amusing: Joanne Plancarte (Mexico).

Don’t believe in children’s high quality performance? Elvira Titova (Russia).

2013 Children Fitness Worlds new venue: NSP - Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad.

Children will perform on the largest stage of the NSP.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre from Taiwan performing on the NSP stage in Novi Sad. Not so far from fitness..

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GUATEMALA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The president of Central American federation, Ing Eduardo Abdalah(Nicaragua) ,traveled to Guatemala, attending the national championship, and holding several executive meetings,joined with Ing Jorge Luis Rave , president of the Guatemala bodybuilding federation,

204 Athletes participated in a very successful event, attended by sport authorities and an enthusiastic audience that full filed the venue.

Guatemala will host, next July 20th the Central American championships in the historical city of Antigua.

Bodybuilding its booming in the area, with the sport included at the Central American Games and recognized by all the national Olympic committees in the area.

Eduardo Abdalah

See results, report and pics: CLICK HERE

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NEONUTRI, NEW IFBB SPONSOR

IFBB is proud to announce the sponsorship agreement with Brazilian company Neonutri.

The prestigious Brazilian sport supplement manufacturer from Minas Gerais, signed a sponsorship agreement with IFBB.

Neonutri, one of the largest food supplement producers in South America, has its manufacturing headquarters located in the city of Poços de Caldas, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a huge state-of the art facility furnished with the most up-to-date equipment to produce a very modern line of high quality supplements for sport.

Since its establishment, founder Juliano Moreno has been leading the company with a very clear policy to support sport events and all activities linked with a healthy lifestyle.

Neonturi is submitted to a very dynamic international expansion participating actively in the most important trade show events conferences and congresses.

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ALMATY IS READY TO WELCOME ASIAN COMPETITORS AND OFFICIALS

by Andrew Michalak

Europe has already staged its continental championships. Both Americas will have their continentals later this year. Now there is a time for Asia. The 2013 Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. There is a third time in a row, after Ulan Bator, Mongolia, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, that Asian Championships are staged in Central Asia. Moreover, this year’s IFBB World Juniors and Masters Championships will also take place there, in Ulan Bator. So, this region, which was a “terra incognita” (blank spot) on the bodybuilding map of the world even a dozen years ago, now has become very active.

Kazakhstan, like Uzbekistan and few other countries in Central Asia, was a part of the Russian Empire, then Soviet Union and emerged as an independent country in 1991. But, while located primarily in Asia, a small portion of Kazakhstan is also located west of the Ural River, in Eastern Europe! So, most precisely is to say that Kazakhstan is located in the center of Eurasia.

Kazakhstan is a big country, with the area of 2,700,000 sq. km, larger than Western Europe, but the population is 16.6 million people. The capital city is Astana, but Almaty (known also as Alma-Ata) is a former capital (from 1929 till 1997) and the largest city in the country, with population of 1.5 million people. Sometimes it is called the “Southern capital” of Kazakhstan.

The venue for the Championships, Baluan Sholak Palace of Culture and Sports, was constructed in 1967 and underwent renovation for staging 2011 Asian Winter Games. The number of seats were increased to 5000 and the closing ceremony of the Games was also held in the Palace. Closing the Games, Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev said that the Asian Winter Games had shown off the quality of Kazakhstan's infrastructure and facilities and demonstrated its major event capabilities.

Almaty mayor Akhmetzhan Yesimov told the audience – „We are not saying goodbye. I am sure there will be more meetings in the future.” And after 2011 Asian Handball Championships, 2012 World Judo Championships and 2012 Asian Volleyball Championships, IFBB is coming into this Palace to show the beauty and power of women’s and men’s physique. Strength training has become very popular among Kazakhstan’s society. Enough to say that their national team won a couple of medals and was the second best team in juniors and subjuniors divisions at the latest IPF World Bench Press Championships in Lithuania. Within few days their bodybuilders will combat for medals at the Asian Championships.

All national teams will be accommodated at the modern, four-star “Grand Aiser” Hotel in Almaty. Athletes registration will also be run there. In Asia we can see the same trend like in Europe: the top champions from the previous continental championships prepare for the Worlds or other IFBB top events like Arnold Amateur or International Cups while new names, let’s say raising stars, are coming to the next continental festival. On the stage in Almaty we will be able to see great stars like multi world champion Kamal Abdul Salam of Qatar and other world-class stars: Raed Fouad, Bader Sultan and Arafat Yaqoob (Bahrain), Mehdi Ayari and Abbas Peisepar (Iran), Seung-Hoon Lee, Jae-Koon Yoon and Seung-Chul Lee (Korea), Amit Chaudhary (India) and bodyfitness ladies: Shizuka Nakamura and Yumi Yamashita (Japan). But also very exciting will be to see the challengers, who in bodybuilding are often successful. Last weekend Asian bodybuilding celebrated its great success: 2012 Amateur Mr. Olympia sensational winner Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elsbiay of Kuwait won his first pro show: New York Pro and qualified to the 2013 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas. Maybe in Almaty the next “Big Ramy” will be born?

The schedule of main activities is as follows:

Thursday, May 30th, 2013:

Arrivals of IFBB and AFBF Executive Councils members.

Friday, May 31st, 2013:

07:00 – 19:00: Arrivals of National Teams
15:00 – Press conference
16:00 – Technical and Judges Meetings
18:00 – Weigh-in and Registration of athletes

Saturday, June 1st, 2013:

10:00 – Prejudging
18:30 – AFBF Executive Council Meeting

Sunday, June 2nd, 2013:

09:00 – AFBF Congress
15:00 – Finals
21:00 – Farewell Banquet

Monday, June 3, 2013

Till 12:00 – Check-out and departure.

Pictures:



Coming to the 2013 Asian Championships, you will be welcome at the Almaty International Airport.



“Almaty” means a “full of apples”. It is a proof.



Almaty is a modern city: Foster’s twin towers.



Al-Farabi Avenue in Almaty.



The bird’s view of Almaty.



The venue of the Championships: Baluan Sholak Palace of Culture and Sports.



Entrance to the Sport Palace.



The restaurant at the “Grand Aiser” Hotel – official place for accommodation.



Place for relax at the “Grand Aiser” Hotel.



Last workouts of champions coming to participate at the 2013 Asian Championships: Raed Fouad of Bahrain.




Al The top stars coming to Almaty this year:

Men’s 60 kg class: Twice Asian Championships runner-up Hiroshi Tsuda (Japan) will meet 2012 Asian champion Seung-Hoon Lee (Korea). A small vendetta match can be expected as Seung-Hoon won over Tsuda in 2012.

Men’s 70 kg class: 2012 Asian champion Jae-Koon Yoon of Korea comes to regain the title. He will meet 2009 Asian champion Arafat Yaqoob of Bahrain.

Men’s 80 kg class: World top six Bader Sultan of Bahrain will be a strong candidate to win.

Men’s 85 kg class: World Games top five Amit Chaudhary (India) will seek his chance for victory.

Men’s 90 kg class: 2007 runner-up Mehdi Ayari will be back and will meet 2012 finalist Kang Kyung Won of Korea.

Men’s 100 kg class: Seems to be the most exciting category, with multi world champion Kamal Abdul Salam of Qatar, 2009 Asian champion Read Fouad of Bahrain, 2012 finalists: Abbas Peisepar of Iran and Seung-Chul Lee (Korea).

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SPORTACCORD ASSEMBLY IN ST. PETERSBURG

SPORTACCORD is the meeting point for International Federations and the IOC, attended by all sport leaders worldwide. In the picture we can see President Santonja with IOC Director of Protocol Willy Kaltschmitt, a key IOC official and long term IFBB friend.

In 1991 Willy Kaltschmitt played an essential role for the incorporation of Bodybuilding to the Central American Games of the Olympic Program.

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NTERNACIONAL BIKINI – FITNESS FIT. CAMP 2013 FIT CAMP & BIKINI FITNESS IS ESTONIA

Another edition of this popular Training Camp organized yearly by the Estonian federation .

This year dedicated to bikini – fitness, from 15 to 21st July.

More info at: http://bit.ly/11B7lUQ