Maldivian athlete Azneen Rashad has set a new record at the 14th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship, held in the Maldives, securing gold in the 170-centimetre sports physique category. This victory marks Rashad as the first Maldivian athlete to secure a gold medal in three consecutive regional bodybuilding tournaments.
The athlete’s winning streak extends beyond regional competitions. Over the past two years, Rashad has also clinched the gold medal at the World Championship. In 2022, Rashad’s exceptional performance earned him the title of the overall best athlete at the Maldives Sports Awards. The same year, he emerged as the champion in the 170-centimetre sports physique category at the South Asian Bodybuilding Championship in Nepal.
Seven other Maldivian athletes won medals across various categories at the 14th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship, which commenced on Saturday. Shaheen Ibrahim Didi and Shaal Ibrahim secured second place in the 55-kilogramme and 60-kilogramme categories, respectively.
Hussain Riyaz claimed the second spot in the 160-centimetre athletic physique category. The 167-centimetre category was dominated by Maldivians, with Fathuhulla Mohamed winning gold and Mahmood Riyaz securing the second spot. Adding to the Maldives’ medal tally, Abdulla Ahsan claimed gold in the 175-centimetre category, while Ibrahim Nabeel clinched the silver medal.