Bodybuilding and fitness championship begins in Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq — A bodybuilding and fitness championship kicked off in Kirkuk on Saturday under the auspices of the Iraqi National Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and the supervision of its Kirkuk branch. Competitors are taking part in physique, classic physique, body classic and bodybuilding categories across youth, advanced and master divisions. The opening day began with a technical conference at the Kirkuk Cultural Center, followed by weigh-ins and height measurements for participants. A championship carnival was held at 10 a.m. after the athletes' tanning preparations were completed. Tariq Hamid, head of the federation's Kirkuk branch, said athletes from various age groups across the city turned out in large numbers for the event. Organizers said results will be announced later in the day, once competitions in the approved age categories are concluded.