Atif wins Arnold title in Melbourne

KARACHI: Two-time Mr Pakistan Atif Anwar made the nation proud on Sunday as he clinched a title at the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Competition in Melbourne, Australia.
With the seven-time Mr Olympia and Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger looking on, Anwar came out top in the ‘over 100 kg’ class at the event held at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
Born and raised in Karachi, 35-year-old Anwar, apart from his national titles, was the first-ever Pakistani to compete in the Mr Universe competition, where he secured fourth position.
He earlier won Mr Sindh and Mr Karachi titles.
Speaking to ‘The News’ over phone after the competition, Anwar, who moved to Australia in 2012, expressed profuse gratitude to his family and supporters. Outlining his regimen in the lead up to the event, he identified strict diet control as the toughest yet most vital part.
“It is titles and recognition like this which have been my driving force. I had been following a strict routine for the past year only for this competition. It paid off and I cannot be thankful enough,” he said.
Anwar, who was among the top six participants who came through the preliminary rounds on Saturday, readily agreed that having Schwarzenegger declare him the winner was the highlight of an already surreal day. “He has been an idol. It was an unforgettable moment when he came up onstage and personally appreciated the efforts and results of my training,” said Anwar. The man with 22.5 inch biceps intends to keep the hard work up.