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Asian Championship: PBBF to conduct dope tests on bodybuilders

Federation also in process of registering gyms and clubs

Natasha Raheel July 24, 2016

Federation in process of registering gyms and clubs. PHOTO: Stock Image

KARACHI: The Pakistan Body Building Federation (PBBF) will send athletes to the Asian Championship in Bhutan in September only after administrating the mandatory dope test of the participants.

Earlier this year, at least three bodybuilders passed away in quick succession due to heart failure, while 2016 Mr South Asian Bodybuilding Champion Humayun Khurram died after choking on food.

The PBBF secretary Sheikh Farooq Fasial assured that steps would be taken to ensure only clean athletes will participate internationally in order to curb this issue. “We’ll be conducting dope tests for our participants for the Asian Championship to ensure transparency,” the secretary told The Express Tribune.

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The official acknowledged that the unfortunate deaths had severely affected the bodybuilding circuit of the country, and assured that the federation had taken necessary steps by starting registration processes for gyms and clubs, as steroids and other medicines may be sold there indiscreetly.

“Any gym or club that fails to register in time will be banned from having its body builders in the events,” said the secretary.

“The death of the bodybuilders is a sad reality, it has given out a bad message internationally as well,” said Faisal. “But we’re trying our best. The gym and club registration will end this month, so we’re hoping that every bodybuilding facility comes forward.”

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On the other hand, Faisal also added that the most recent death of Irfan Butt in Gujranwala this month was not related to bodybuilding. Butt, who was reported to be a 25-year-old, was actually in his 40’s and was not a bodybuilder.

There will be at least four bodybuilders representing the country at the Asian Championship, with Mr Pakistan Waqas Tariq opting to skip the event, in order to prepare for the World Championship that will take place in November.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2016.

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