Malawi’s bodybuilder Grivin Manda qualifies to Arnold Classic Africa competition

Malawi’s bodybuilding star  Grivin  Manda who is also the current Mr Zomba BodyBuilding champion has booked a place in next year’s Arnold Classic Africa men’s prestigious bodybuilding  competition  after finishing on position 3 in the 2020 International Federation of Body Building (IFBB) event which was held on November 28 2020 in Gauteng, South Africa.

Manda who competed with a total 24 athletes from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique in  the Senior Body Building category  which was under 80kgs finished on third after impressing the judges with his brilliant performances in areas such free styles, definitions as well as possess.

The annual festival event is also commonly known as ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival’ which was established in 1989.

Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times, the 27-year-old bodybuilder who hails from Chinamwali in Zomba district said he was very delighted for making it into the final list of the Arnold Classic Africa which he said the competition will help him to expose his talent and open up doors of participating in various international competitions.

He further said that the competition was very competitive but lamented that the results wasn’t a true reflection of what he was expecting considering the skills that he displayed during the day.

“I competed with well experienced athletes but I was above them in terms performance though the judge’s outcome showed that I’ve finished on third position. But all in all I just thank God for making my dream a reality because it has been my wish to compete in senior international events like the Arnold Classic Africa and right now I will add an extra gear to make sure I represent  Malawi flag very well and finish as the champion”, said Manda.

However, Manda has expressed worry over his future of taking part in the 2021 competition due to lack of funds that can help him to support his preparations.

“As you know I have been doing everything for myself to reach where I am now but it has been not easy for me to raise money. I wish if could’ve sponsors like the way my friends have so that my focus should only be on the competition because currently am failing to meet other required things for my bodybuilding since there is no company or individuals and other well wishers who are supporting me. So it is my plea to all the well wishers to come in because I want to make history for Malawi in as far as BodyBuilding is concerned.

Chairperson of the Mr Zomba Bodybuilding sand Power Lifting  Bright Limani described Manda’s qualification as great development as it will motivate other local bodybuilders who will start taking the sport seriously.

“This is good news for Malawi and the entire Mr Zomba Body Building Committee in particular because we have managed to produce an athletes who will represent Malawi at International level. We just wish him all the best because we know for sure that he will make us proud come 2021,” said Limani.

The Mr Zomba Bodybuilding and Power Lifting competition is an annual event that began in 2013.

This year’s event is expected to take place on December 24 2020 in Zomba.

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