MILTON Zawe has scooped the 2023 Mr Novice Zimbabwe title during the Mr Novice bodybuilding and fitness championships held at Zimbabwe College of Music in the capital this Saturday.

The second edition of the country’s Premier Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships took centre stage in Harare with a throng of bodybuilders showcasing their muscles.

Over 65 bodybuilders battled for medals, with the event doubling as a platform to urge youths to abstain from drug abuse.

“Looking at last year’s event, it was very successful with a huge turnout from athletes participating. This has also become part of our agenda of getting the youth to join fitness as well as establishing careers in bodybuilding and fitness so that they refrain from the use of drugs. So this year’s edition meant a lot to young athletes who were interested to become part of the fitness industry which is growing globally because we have seen more entrepreneurs, dietitians and sports trainers coming on board and this shows that our message is loud out there,” said

Tinotenda Gumbo, Trysupps Zimbabwe CEO and former bodybuilder.

Sponsored by Trysupps Zimbabwe, the competition had six categories, which include senior men’s bodybuilding open, men’s physique open, junior men’s bodybuilding open (Under-21), women’s body fitness development and men’s fitness.

Milton Zawe clinched the Trysupps Mr Novice 2023 championships after topping in the senior mem bodybuilding, while Denzel Ngwerume came second and Clemence Chikerema third.

In the men’s physique category, Duan Jentas topped the medals sheet, while Malcom Dzvuke won the men’s fitness championship.

In the juniors, Prince Moyo made the mark by scooping the biggest prize, while Camillia Potgfter came out tops in the women’s category.

Meanwhile, bodybuilders are set to take part in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair bodybuilding and fitness championships and the Iron Man event whose dates are yet to be announced.