Ichocho cries as Master retains Mr. Malawi title

They say men do not cry. However, it was not just an ordinary man who shed tears on Saturday at Crossroads Hotel but Mr. Malawi losing finalist Yasin ‘Ichocho’ Suwedi.

When Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association (WAM) of Malawi president announced that Henry Master was the 2013 Mr. Malawi, Ichocho could not keep his cool, but burst into tears.

It had to take some minutes before sponsor of the tournament Zabair Sharikmaslat of ETC Agro Tractor soothed him down and let him accept his medal from Sports Council representative Isaac Phiri.

Judges Kelvin Saeluzika, Evance Chikumbu and Evance Lungu gave the crown to Master after five rounds of demonstration and flexing of muscles.

A distraught Ichocho, who had brought a huge entourage of his fans from Blantyre, refused to talk to the press after the event.

However, Master acknowledged that Ichocho is a good bodybuilder.

“He brought a lot of excitement and I had to prepare well. He talked tough and tried to live up to his talk but failed. He has a future, but he is not there yet. I believe next year it will be tough and I won’t be complacent,” said Master who claimed his sixth consecutive Malawi title

Fifteen bodybuilders took part after WAM had screened the names to ensure that only serious bodybuilders take part. At the end of the day, it was Master who won not only the hearts of the judges but also those of the fans who filled the auditorium at Crossroads Hotel.

Levison Chiseko was third while Chikumutso Phiri came fourth.

Master received K200 000 (about $500), Ichocho got K100 000 (about $250) while Chiseko got K75 000 (about $187).

“It was a tough completion, but it was clear Master was the true winner. As a sponsor, I am satisfied and happy with the way the pageant was organised. The whole event has been a success. We are coming back next year bigger and better,” said Sharikmaslat.

The sponsors also accommodated and fed the bodybuilders.

“We invested over a million kwacha this year, but we are not yet done. I am a bodybuilder myself and I love the sport. We gonna have more tournaments,” said Sharikmaslat.