International bodybuilding contest kicks off in New Taipei

Taipei, July 27 (CNA) The 2025 IFBB Mr. Universe Chinese Taipei competition kicked off Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei, with more than 150 athletes showcasing their physiques.

It marks the first time in 16 years that the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) has held a competition in Taiwan, the last being the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung.

The professional bodybuilding contest is bringing together athletes from Taiwan and 16 other countries, including Malaysia, Japan, the United States, France and Mexico.

IFBB Chinese Taipei president Hsu An-chin (許安進) said in an interview Sunday that the event came to Taiwan thanks to his lobbying efforts at last year's Asian Championships in Mongolia.

He said the competition offers valuable international experience for local athletes and emphasized that fitness and bodybuilding are the foundation of all sports, benefiting people of all ages - especially the elderly - by preventing muscle loss and promoting health.

A highlight of the event was Taiwanese athlete Wu Jin-long (吳金龍), 58, who delivered the athlete's oath. A longtime competitor with more than 30 years of experience and multiple international medals, Wu initially took up bodybuilding to relieve stress. He now trains daily and is a nationally certified judge, Hsu said.

Hsu also noted that American film star Arnold Schwarzenegger won the IFBB Mr. Universe title in 1969, a victory that launched his acting career and made him a global icon.