Bodybuilding nationals for 'Mr India' title on April 12-13

Mumbai, Apr 9 (UNI) Around 300 bodybuilders from all over the country will vie for the prestigious ''Mr India'' crown in the 55th National Bodybuilding Championships to be held at the Andheri Sports Complex here on April 12 and 13.

These nationals have added significance for the participants as based on their performances here, the Indian team for the ''Mr World'' competition to be held in Athens in June will be selected, organising committee chairman Raju Rawal informed here today.

Mr Rawal said this is the first time in the history of weight category competitions that cash awards of Rs 25 lakhs will be given to the winners.

The nationals will be organised by the Amatuer Bodybuilder's Association of Maharashtra.

The conduct of these nationals will also be carefully monitored as India along with Spain are in the running to host the ''Mr Universe'' 2008 bodybuilding competition to be held in November.

Jim Pit of the International Bodybuilding Association will be present to assess the claims made by India for hosting the competition, Mr Rawal added.

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