Mohamed Hakim new bodybuilding champ as Minister lapses

RMN Sandamali (centre), winner of the women’s Fit Model competition flanked by B. Dakshitha (left), second place and Suvini Sulochana (right), third place

Mohamed Hakim (centre), winner of Mr. Sri Lanka 2025 flanked by Ranga Silva (left), second place and F.R. Faisal (right) third place

By Susil Premalal 

Mohamed Hakim was adjudged the winner of the 77th National Bodybuilding Championships crowed as the new Mr. Sri Lanka in Negombo but many eyebrows were raised in utter dismay as Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage had refused to place his signature on the winners’ certificates as done by his predecessors on previous occasion.

As many as 150 contestants took part in the championship.

As a result, the certificates were presented without the Minister’s signature and no valid reason was given for his lapse according to the Sri Lanka Bodybuilding and Physical Fitness Association. 

“The Minister’s signature adds national and international value to the certificate. Previously, former sports ministers signed these certificates without issues. This incident has caused significant disappointment among the athletes,” an official of the Bodybuilding Association said.

Representing UD Fitness Gym in Qatar, the organisers awarded a cash prize of Rs. 250,000 to Hakim in recognition of his victory.

Ranga Silva from Olympic Fitness Gym secured second place while F.R. Faisal from Royal Fitness Centre took third place.

In the women’s segment (Fit Model) category, RMN Sandamali, representing Transformers Fitness Centre emerged as the winner while B. Dakshitha from the same gym took second place and Suvini Sulochana from Panadura Power House Gym secured third place.