Winners and judges posing for the photo Of the men's open building category during the 1st NPC Nagaland Championship in Dimapur On October 18. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur I Octcber 18
The first NPC (National Physique Committee) Nagaland Championship, Organised by the Nagaland Physique Alliance drew to a conclusion here at the Covenant Hall, Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on October 18.
A total of 28 contestants participated in four categories of Men's physique (under 37), Men's physique (over 37), Men's open body building and Women’s bikini, respectively. The competition was open to all participants from across India with live registration taking place on October 17.
Chief Guest for the event, Sashila Ozukum, Administrator, Hope Academy, expressed her appreciation to the organisers for organizing Nagaland's first NPC championship and stated, "This is the first of many more to follow." Being a fitness enthusiast herself, she noted how it had taught her to be consistent in her work ethics, hard work and time management.
She asserted that being fit and healthy takes time and patience which enables one to work on long term goals in life and said, "Success does not come overnight; it is brought about through dedication and focus as these contestants would know."
Further, Ozukum commented that as fitness and health is an approximately 80 billion dollar industry it provides different opportunities to individuals through building professional careers. As such, she encouraged the students to explore into these fields as well apart from the normal career paths.
Special guest, Sentinungsang Lemtur, Nagaland’s first winner in a body building competition in 1997 observed that the fitness scene in the State has come a long way. Having made a career in the fitness industry as a professional working in Australia, he motivated the youths to pursue their dreams and remain committed in their goals.
Winners in individual categories
In the men's physique (under 5'7) category, Nyaveilou Pao (contestant no 7) was adjudged the winner While Toshiakum Ozukum (contestant no 77), claimed the physique (over 5' 7) title.
For the men's open body building category, Golap Rabha (contestant no 65) from Assam clenched the title. In women's bikini category, L Yingchu Phom (contestant no 44) was proclaimed the winner.
All the winners walked home with different cash prizes, certificates, medals and trophies. Additionally they will also be able to qualify for the Mr Olympia competition set to be held in Mumbai between October 28 to 30 this year.
Judges invited for the competition were Hemant Aangrish, Head, IFBB Pro League India, Dr Som Tugnait, NPC/IPC head judge and IFBB Pro League judge, Dr Ankur Hastir, Manager Indian Physique Alliance & NPC worldwide and Rishi Anand, data analyst manager, NPC worldwide.
