Manama: The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) has officially recognised the Third HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Open Bodybuilding Championship as an international competition and included it in its annual calendar. The championship is scheduled to take place on September 18-19 at Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Hall at the University of Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the recognition highlights the championship's growing reputation and the success of its previous two editions. This enhancement of its regional and international profile is expected to draw leading world champions, professionals, and amateurs to the event.
Sami Al Haddad, Chairman of the Bahrain Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (BBFF) and the championship's Supreme Organising Committee, stated that the recognition showcases international confidence in Bahrain's ability to host major sporting events to the highest standards. He described it as a significant addition to the federation's achievements, offering athletes opportunities to earn internationally recognised rankings in accordance with IFBB regulations, and contributing to the advancement of bodybuilding and fitness both locally and regionally.
Al Haddad also affirmed that the BBFF is committed to a strategy of hosting major international championships, which supports sports tourism and further establishes Bahrain as a preferred destination for significant sporting events.