Canareef Resort Maldives made history by successfully hosting the prestigious 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, marking a momentous occasion not only for the resort but also for the Maldives’ growing reputation in international sports events.
From November 5th to 11th, 2024, over 450 athletes and delegates from 41 countries gathered at Canareef Resort to showcase their strength and dedication in one of the most competitive events of the year. The resort’s exclusive villas, lush tropical greenery and turquoise lagoons provided the perfect backdrop for the competition, while the hospitality on offer played a key role in the success of the event.
The opening ceremony of the championships was graced by Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group, (owner of Canareef Resort Maldives) along with High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E, Munu Mahawar, and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives H.E Ranga Goonawardena, setting a strong tone for the prestigious event. This influential attendance underscored the significance of the championships and Canareef’s commitment to making it a memorable experience.
Key Events of the Championships:
The event kicked off with the arrival of the Executive Council and Sub-Committee Members, teams, delegates, and officials on November 1-5, who were warmly welcomed at Canareef Resort. The following days included important preparations and gatherings:
- Nov 6: Meetings were held for Team Managers and Judges, and the WBPF Executive Council gathered for critical discussions. The WBPF Electoral Congress also took place, strengthening the administrative foundations of the federation.
- Nov 8/9: The championships officially began with the Opening Ceremony, drawing in audiences and media attention.
- Nov 10: The event concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Final Prize Distribution, celebrating the athletes’ achievements.
Achievements by the Maldives National Bodybuilding Team:
The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered impressive results, winning three medals in total, including two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal:
- Shaheen Ibrahim Didi clinched 1st place in the Men’s Bodybuilding 55 Kg category.
- Azneen Rashad secured Gold in Sports Physique 170 cm.
- Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee earned 2nd place in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 Kg.
In addition to these medal-winning performances, several athletes placed in the top positions, including Mohamed Nahyan Khan (8th in Men’s Bodybuilding 80 Kg), Shaalu Ibrahim (4th in Athletic Physique 160 cm), Abdulla Ahsan (4th in Athletic Physique 175 cm), and Ismail Shuau Abdulla (4th in Athletic Physique 182 cm).
The team results were equally impressive, with India securing the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam winning the Women’s Team Championship, and Saravanan Mani from India emerging as the Overall Champion.
Words of Praise: A Truly Successful Championship
Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, praised the success of the championship and the warmth of the resort’s hospitality. “The hospitality provided by Canareef Resort is really fantastic,” he shared. “People are very happy. All the athletes and delegates who I met and spoke to have sent me many messages. They said we should return to this island next year. This place is actually very serene. The beaches are beautiful, and the people are warm and welcoming. We enjoyed our stay and are looking forward to returning, even if there’s no championship. I will personally come with my family.”
Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, echoed this pride: “We are extremely happy to host this event at Canareef. We believe the event has brought enormous publicity to Addu and the South region as a whole. We will continue to push for such events. We thank all those who have made this event a success.”
Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed his gratitude and pride in the team’s performance. “Today we have completed a huge milestone by finishing the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship. Your collective efforts, resilience, and teamwork have set a high standard for excellence,” Jaish said. “Cheers to the extraordinary team for reaching new heights and conquering challenges together.”
A Landmark for Canareef Resort
Hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress has undeniably put Canareef Resort Maldives on the map as a premier venue for international sporting events. This achievement not only highlights the resort’s capability to host such prestigious events but also solidifies its position as a destination where exceptional service, luxury, and world-class sports meet.
Looking ahead, Canareef Resort is excited to continue its journey as a host for major international events and to welcome more guests from around the world to experience the beauty, serenity, and hospitality that made this event a grand success.
