Swapnil Ankush Tervankar of Tervankar Gymco Vyam Mandal secured the prestigious MR YMCA Open title & ‘MR.DP Melville Challenge Trophy hosted by Bombay YMCA on November 26 at its Central Branch in Colaba. Salauddin S. Shah of Vikhroli Krida Kendra claimed the MR YMCA (BUDDING) title, adding a new chapter to the Bombay YMCA Best Physique Contest 2024.
Organized under the auspices of the Amateur Bodybuilders Association of Maharashtra, the event drew 107 dedicated contestants from Mumbai and its suburbs, showcasing their commitment to physical fitness. There was a crowd present of 400 people cheering the participants.
Winners in each of the four categories in Budding & Open sections were awarded medals and certificates, enhancing the recognition of their exceptional achievements.
All winners received their well-deserved medals and certificates from the Chief Guest, Hafis Mohamed (IRPS), Chief Personnel Officer, Central Railway. The Bombay YMCA Board of Directors Bobby Kunder, Michael Manuel Raj, Joe George, Committee Member A.M. David, along with, Austin Kunder – General Secretary Bombay YMCA, Allen Kotian – Deputy General Secretary, Amulraj – Secretary, Ashish Shrivastava & Sharon Pires were also present on the occasion.
The Mr.YMCA Best Physique contest, renowned among budding and aspiring bodybuilders, featured judging based on the Eight Poses System across Short, Medium, Tall, and Super Tall categories.
Hafis congratulated the Bombay YMCA for its 150 years of dedicated service to the community of which 56 years the competition was held, particulary to cater to the participating youth from the middle class and the lower middle class section of the societies. Highlighting the historical significance of the Bombay YMCA Best Physique Contest, Allen Kotian emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering communities for almost 150 years. Congratulating Mr.YMCA (BUDDING) & the MR. YMCA (OPEN) winners, Austin Kunder stressed on the enduring popularity of the D.P. Melville Rolling Trophy, instituted in 1969, and its status as the most sought-after Body Building Competition.
The contest first held in the year 1968 has rich legacy, as its past Title winners like Mr. Raimon D’Souza, who went on to win the Mr. India title, and Ashish Sakarkar, won 4 times Mr. India & Mr. Universe silver & Bronze medals also recipient of Maharashtra’s prestigious sports award, the Shiv Chhatrapati Award. Every year the competition is sponsored by Saroj Melville, in memory of her late Husband Mr.D.P. Melville.
