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Isaac Chimuchenga

Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
AFTER missing the last edition of the Mr Zimbabwe bodybuilding contest, Blessing Samaringa says he has been recharging his batteries and hopes to bring a much-improved frame when he enters the contest tonight at the Harare International School.
In 2006, Samaringa was easily one of the outstanding bodybuilders on the local scene when he exhibited a proportional 28-year-old body and swept most of the major events on offer then.

Unfortunately, for him ,the Mr Zimbabwe and the Iron Man contests were in the doldrums during Samaringa’s best times.

When the events were revived over the years, a crop of other hulks likes defending champion Mr Zimbabwe, Champion Chiendaramwano, Vincent Kandiyero, Victor Hungwe and Eddie Marondera have emerged on the domestic scene.

But with the seasoned Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga still at the top, Samaringa is also hopeful of giving the younger athletes a run for their money.

“I did not compete last year because I was resting. After resting, I hope to return in better shape and can challenge for the title,” said Samaringa.

Samaringa also decided to be part of the spectators when Chimuchenga won the Mr Iron Man in Kadoma but the veteran athletes will be in action today.

Two weeks ago, Samaringa was part of the Zimbabwean athletes who travelled to Zambia for the Mr Southern Africa where he came first in the middleweight section.

“I had a good preparation by taking part in the contest in Zambia and winning the middleweight division.

“Now I am trying to shed some weight and see if I can enter in the lightweight,” said Samaringa.

Reigning champion, Chiendaramwano won the Musclemania event last week.

“I will be at the Mr Zimbabwe to defend my title and I going to retain the title,” said the confident Chiendaranwano.

Veteran George Munyoro is also coming back while Blessing’s younger brother Eliah, Noah Dzokora and Brighton Mazikana will also try to wrestle the crown.

National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness official Quiet Shangai said indications were that athletes will come from all the provinces.

“This year’s Mr and Ms Zimbabwe will attract athletes from all over Zimbabwe and we hope it should befit its status as the biggest bodybuilding event on the land in terms of organisation, status and prizes.

“Those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet some of the greatest athletes to emerge from Zimbabwe and we hope Walter Munyikwa will grace the event alongside Tobias “Tubbs” Madzime and Vincie Lambournie, legendary Innocent Choga, Givemore Marume and Charity Juma,” said Shangai.

While the heavyweight division in the Mr Zimbabwe contest is the main act, it is the female fitness and physique division that could bring down the roof in the auditorium as ladies in bikinis try to outdo each other on stage.

Musclemania Ms Fitness and Physique, Precious Mujuru, is set to enter while Hellen Costa, Barbara Jabga, Wendy Hansen and Regina Jonga also could fight for honours.