Kathmandu, September 19

Nepal Byayam Mandir and Teletalk today reached an agreement to sponsor the 14th Dharmashree Championship to be held later this month.

The prestigious bodybuilding championship is the biggest event in the sport in terms of cash prizes and participation. Apart from the title sponsor, Teletalk — the authorised dealer of Gionee Mobiles in Nepal — will hand over mobile sets to the top three bodybuilders in overall category.

Fitness Choice is the sponsor, while Diet Nepal and Maya Animation are the co-sponsors of the championship, informed Nepal Byayam Mandir President Narayan Pradhan at a press meet today. The organisers have prepared an estimated budget of Rs 3.4 million for the championship, which features seven weight categories. Around 400 bodybuilders are expected to take part in the event, Pradhan said.

Sanjay Agrawal, Managing Director at Teletalk said he was proud to be associated with the prestigious championship. “I would like to thank Nepal Byayam Mandir for providing us with this opportunity to sponsor such a prestigious event of the country,” said Agrawal. “I hope this association would help us in our bid of becoming the No 1 brand in Nepal.”

Likewise, Uttam Silwal, Director of Fitness Choice — the product of MNBC — said his company would provide employment to the winners of the championship. “We have been sponsoring the event for a long time and we are committed for the welfare of the players,” said Silwal. “We will also take the winner to our factory for a visit.”

The winners of the seven weight categories will fight for the Mr Dharmashree title and the champion will receive Rs 500,000 along with the trophy. The runner-up will get Rs 200,000, while the third-placed player will earn Rs 100,000. The builders from fourth to seventh will get Rs 80,000, Rs 75,000, Rs 60,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. Likewise, the second and third placed players in their respective categories will receive Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively. The pre-judging round will be held on September 29, while the final is slated for the following day at the Nepal Academy Hall.