Ade defies sanction imposed by IFBB
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)