After years of hardwork and determination, Evans Amwagsi has emerged winner in the highly competitive men’s physique category of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) West Africa Championship held at the Bukom Arena in Accra on Friday.
Amwagsi, who is also a police officer, broke down in tears after coming toe to toe with Nigerian’ Eyo Andrew and eventually winning the ultimate prize.
He also won the elite pro card to become one of only five Ghanaians with the title along with Daniel ‘Emilio’Owusu, who excelled on the day.
It was practically a host-and-win affair for team Ghana as Joel Amenuglo, Nicholas Eli Namiru and Bright Holdbrook Junior swept the first, second and third positions respectively in the classic physique open.
In the women’s bikini open showdown, Nigerian’s Nicole Patrick put up an outstanding performance to win the category which was also keenly contested.
After successfully hosting the maiden event, Ghana has been given the nod by the IFBB to host next year’s event which is expected to be bigger with several participants across the world.
This year’s event had seven countries participating including Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Uganda, DR Congo and Ghana in categories including men’s bodybuilding, men’s physique, men’s classic physique, men’s classic bodybuilding and muscular men’s physique.
Speaking after the event, the President of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (GBFA) Abdul Haye-Yartey, said he was excited to host “a very successful event” which earned Ghana another opportunity to organize the event in March, next year.
He congratulated all winners – especially the two elite pro card winners, for their efforts and urged other athletes to continue working hard to make the nation proud.
“We have done very well as an association and deserved to be supported and recognized as the sport that could win laurels for the country,” he stated.
Mr Haye-Yartey called on the government and corporate bodies to come on board to support the sport to produce more champions for the country.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
