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Lovemore Zigara, Gweru
REIGNING Mr Bulawayo, Lovemore Munyamana, is among the top hulks to miss this year’s rebranded Mr and Ms Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships and Ironman 2016 to be held at the Longcheng Plaza in Harare tonight.

The event was known as Mr Ironman Zimbabwe.

Munyamana who bagged a fifth consecutive Mr Bulawayo title last week has cited ill health for his failure to participate at this year’s competition.

Also missing out is reigning Ms Zimbabwe and Ms Ironman 2015 Regina Jonga and Blessing Nyapimbi who lost his wife yesterday.

Kenny Murugweni, the president of National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBBF) has since sent a condolence message to Nyapimbi over the loss.

“On behalf of the National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness national executive council, council of elders, past presidents, provincial executive committees, athletes and the fitness industry at large, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr Blessing Nyapimpi (an athlete) and family for the loss of his wife. May her soul be at peace,” read part of the statement.

Despite the absence of the trio some of the biggest names in bodybuilding have confirmed their participation with Gweru-based bodybuilder Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga  looking forward to reclaiming the title which he lost to Champion Chienderamwano last year in Kadoma.

Chienderamwano would not be competing after retiring from the sport early this year.

Seasoned campaigners; Vincent Kandiero, Brighton Mazikana , Raymond Mutandiri and Eddie Marondera are expected to pose stiff competition to Blessing Samaringa who was the runner up last year in the main category.

NFZBBF spokesperson Quiet Shingai said the tournament will be used as a qualifier for the Arnold Classic and therefore judging will be based on criteria set by the International Federation of BodyBuilding.

Sport and Recreation Minister, Makhosini Hlongwane is expected to grace the event.