The Sports and Cultural Department of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) continues to provide a platform for athletes and artists in Navi Mumbai through various sports and cultural competitions. Among these initiatives, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Shree State-Level Bodybuilding Competition, which has been held consistently since 1996, stands out as a prestigious event. This competition, along with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Shree Bodybuilding Competition, aims to offer emerging bodybuilders an opportunity to showcase their skills.

The latest edition of the competition, held at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, saw enthusiastic participation from over 200 bodybuilders across Maharashtra, including Navi Mumbai.

In the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Shree State-Level Bodybuilding Competition, Shashank Wakade from Pune district emerged victorious, securing the coveted state-level title. Panchakshari Lonar from Solapur district earned the runner-up position. Nilesh Dagde from Mumbai district was honoured with the Most Improved Bodybuilder title, while Lakpa Lama from Palghar district won the Best Poser award.

Cash prizes and certificates of appreciation were awarded to the top six winners in each of the eight weight categories: 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, and above 85 kg.

In the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Shree Bodybuilding Competition, Surendra Dangwal claimed first-place. Bodybuilder Prashant Gurav secured the runner-up position. Cash prizes and certificates were awarded to the top five winners in various weight categories: 50 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, and above 70 kg.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, President of the Navi Mumbai Body Builders Association and former Member of Parliament Dr. Sanjeev Naik, Additional Commissioner Mr. Sunil Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of the Sports Department Mrs. Abhilasha Mhatre, Sports Officer Mr. Revappa Gurav, and notable personalities from the bodybuilding sector such as Mr. Rajendra Chavan, Secretary of the Maharashtra Body Builders Association, Vice President Mr. Gopal Gaikwad, and Mr. Sharad Marne. Mr. Hemant Khebde, Secretary of the Navi Mumbai Body Builders Association, along with other officials, also attended.

Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde emphasised the importance of health and fitness in his address, highlighting how the NMMC continues to encourage sports like bodybuilding to instil a love for exercise among the youth. He underlined the harmful effects of substance abuse on health and urged the youth to embrace exercise as a means to avoid such pitfalls. Dr. Sanjeev Naik also extended his best wishes to the bodybuilders.