KATHMANDU: Nepal Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (NBFA) is organising the third Mr Himalaya Open Bodybuilding Championship in Pokhara on July 10-11.

The national level tournament features competition in six weight categories — 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and above-75. Winners of each of the six categories will qualify for the final round and will compete for the Mr Himalaya crown. The overall champion will receive Rs 100,000 while five others will get Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000, Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

The pre-judging round will be held on July 10. “Top three bodybuilders in each category will be awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals but only the winners of each category will be eligible to compete for the main championship”, said NBFA first vice-president Bijay Kayastha. Clubs or associations are not allowed to field more than two bodybuilders in one event, said the organisers.

Meanwhile, Dayaram Diwakar and Gyan Narayan Maharjan are set to represent Nepal in the Asian Game to be held in Pattaya, Thailand from August 11-17. Diwakar will compete in the 55kg and Maharjan in 60kg categories. According to NBFA, they were picked up for the championship after their good performance in the South Asian Games held in Banaras, India in April. Both the bodybuilders had won bronze medals in their respective weight categories.