Canareef Resort Maldives recently hosted the prestigious 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, placing both the resort and the Maldives firmly on the international stage. This event, in particular, was a proud moment for Canareef and also a significant milestone for the Maldives as an emerging hub for major sporting competitions.
From 5 to 11 November 2024, over 450 athletes and officials from 41 countries arrived at the resort for this exciting championship. The backdrop of lush tropical scenery, combined with luxury villas and turquoise lagoons, made the event even more special. Additionally, the resort’s remarkable hospitality greatly contributed to the overall success of the competition.
To begin with, the opening ceremony set a grand tone for the championship. Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group (owners of Canareef Resort), H.E. Munu Mahawar, India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, and H.E. Ranga Goonawardena, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner. Their presence, moreover, underscored the importance of this event for both the region and the resort.
Key Highlights
In the lead-up to the competition, participants began arriving between 1 and 5 November, including athletes, officials, and executive members. During this period, several critical meetings and preparations took place:
- 6 November: Team managers and judges gathered for organizational discussions. Meanwhile, the WBPF Executive Council held important talks, followed by the WBPF Electoral Congress, strengthening the administrative foundation of the event.
- 8 and 9 November: The championships officially kicked off, generating significant attention from media outlets and fans alike.
- 10 November: The competition concluded with a grand Closing Ceremony and final prize distribution, celebrating the athletes’ remarkable achievements.
Maldives National Team’s Strong Performance
The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered an outstanding performance, securing two Gold medals and one Silver:
- Shaheen Ibrahim Didi clinched Gold in Men’s Bodybuilding (55 kg).
- Azneen Rashad achieved Gold in Sports Physique (170 cm).
- Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee earned Silver in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding (up to 75 kg).
In addition to these victories, several other Maldivian athletes performed admirably:
- Mohamed Nahyan Khan secured 8th place in Men’s Bodybuilding (80 kg).
- Shaalu Ibrahim took 4th place in Athletic Physique (160 cm).
- Abdulla Ahsan and Ismail Shuau Abdulla also placed 4th in their respective categories.
At the same time, India triumphed in the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam claimed the Women’s Team Championship, and India’s Saravanan Mani emerged as the Overall Champion.
High Praise for Canareef Resort Maldives
Following the event, participants and organizers alike shared their praise for Canareef Resort’s hospitality. Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, offered high praise: “The hospitality provided by Canareef Resort is really fantastic. People are very happy. All the athletes and delegates who I met and spoke to have sent me many messages. They said we should return to this island next year. This place is actually very serene. The beaches are beautiful, and the people are warm and welcoming. We enjoyed our stay and are looking forward to returning, even if there’s no championship. I will personally come with my family.”
Likewise, Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event: “We are extremely happy to host this event at Canareef. We believe the event has brought enormous publicity to Addu and the South region as a whole. We will continue to push for such events. We thank all those who have made this event a success.”
Similarly, Director Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim conveyed pride in both the team and the event’s execution: “Today we have completed a huge milestone by finishing the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship. Your collective efforts, resilience, and teamwork have set a high standard for excellence. Cheers to the extraordinary team for reaching new heights and conquering challenges together.”
A Big Step for Canareef Resort
Without a doubt, hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships has solidified Canareef Resort Maldives’ reputation as a top-tier destination for international sporting events. Not only did this successful event highlight the resort’s exceptional ability to provide world-class service in a luxurious setting, but it also demonstrated the resort’s seamless integration of sports, relaxation, and adventure.
Looking ahead, Canareef Resort Maldives is excited to continue hosting global events. In fact, the resort plans to offer guests from around the world the same unparalleled beauty and warm hospitality that made this event a grand success. Furthermore, the resort is committed to establishing itself as a premier venue for both leisure and business travelers.
About Canareef Resort Maldives
Located in the southern Maldives, Canareef Resort is renowned for its pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch service. Whether for leisure or business, the resort offers an ideal combination of relaxation and adventure, making it a top choice for hosting international events and beyond.
