Ade defies sanction imposed by IFBB
JAKARTA (JP): National men's bodybuilder Ade Rai will continue to compete in international events despite the three-year sanction from the Asian chapter of the International Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB).
Ade confirmed Thursday that he was banned from competing in any events held by the IFBB and the Asian Bodybuilding Federation (ABBF) starting Aug. 23, 2000 until Aug. 23, 2003. Both federations sanctioned Ade for participating in any events which were not on their agendas.
"I accept the decision and I appreciate it. I don't want to argue about it anymore. But I and my fellow bodybuilders will continue competing in any events which are not staged by IFBB or ABBF. I have already developed a career in independent tournaments," he said.
Ade said he had competed in various tournaments held by independent bodybuilding organizations, including the Muscle Mania and Superbody tournaments, since 1994. He said he wanted to compete there due to their drug-free campaign.
"I want to popularize Indonesia in the world and improve our sport's image. The tournaments in which I competed boast many positive attitudes and are covered by TV stations like ESPN, Star Sports and fitness magazines worldwide. With these efforts, I think I can fulfill my target to help national sports development," he said.
"I don't know why IFBB sanctioned me after more than five years competing outside their events. They should have done it long ago. I think there is certain problem with procedures, and I think the decision is politically motivated."
Ade receives sponsorship from a United States-based American Sports Network.
"Indonesian bodybuilders have faced many obstacles in their effort to improve. There is not enough attention from the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI), either in sending bodybuilders to overseas tournaments, providing allowances or training facilities."
"So if I have the initiative to compete in international events. I think there is no reason for the sanction," said Ade, who won the gold medal in the 1996 and the 2000 National Games as well as the 1997 Southeast Asian Games.
He also hoped that PABBSI would not follow the IFBB and the ABBF and ban him from staging bodybuilding tournaments or finding sponsorships for his colleagues.
Ade said he and another eight male bodybuilders will compete in the Muscle Mania Asia tournament in Hong Kong from Nov. 2 to Nov. 5. On Nov. 18, he will head to Anaheim, California, to perform in the Muscle Mania World tournament.
He said he would stage the students' bodybuilding championships next February and the national championships in mid year. (ivy)