Organizers for the 2025 Mr Malawi body building competition say this year's budget is at 25 million kwacha.

Bodybuilding and Fitness Association of Malawi (BFAM) spokesperson, Mphatso Nkuonera made the revelation in an interview with this publication.

"We need this money for prize awards, accommodation of those coming from other corners of the country, advertising among other key expenses.

"We're going to conduct the Mr Malawi 2025 event in Lilongwe at Kamuzu Institute for Sports (KIS).The choice of the venue was aimed at bringing the event to the center for all the participating athletes from all the regions," Nkuonera said.

He said currently the organization has raised just over K5 million out of the target, urging well wishers to support the event in order to meet its expectations.

Secretary General, Aaron Simwaka said the event has several categories lined up for a grab and called upon athletes to register and confirm their participation.

"We have four main categories namely; Open Senior Bodybuilding, Juniors Bodybuilding, Men Physic, llLadies Fitness, and we are expecting twelve athletes from each category," he said.

Simwaka said this year's competition has unique arrangements where veterans, like Isaac Mwangonde, Brown Gondwe, Henry Masitala and others will get on stage as guest posers just to spice up the show.

"Last year's champion Wellington Mwangonde will not take part as now is holding a pro card only for international competitions. We are expecting to see Zachaeus Phiri who was last year's number two and Alpha Chilongola who was on number 3," said Simwaka.

BFAM President Benny Phiri says the association, through its members and a few well-wishers, has managed to raise about K5 million.

He said the only company that has come forward so far is Chibiso Motors, which contributed K500,000. Other contributions include K400,000 from Kenneth Nyakamera, an individual based in South Africa, and K1.2 million from football legend James Daud.

Phiri added that BFAM expects to shape more bodybuilders who can ably compete on international stages, and he encouraged all local gym athletes in the country to gather courage and participate in the national event.

This year's Malawi tournament is being held under the theme, 'Healthy Citizens for a Healthy Malawi.'