While skimpy bikinis are the norm at international body-building contests contestants in Bangladesh covered up (STR)
<p>Dhaka (AFP) – Bangladesh’s first women’s bodybuilding championship was won by a 19-year-old student in a contest where most of her muscle was covered up to prevent controversy in the Muslim-majority nation.</p><p>While skimpy bikinis are the norm at international body-building contests, Awhona Rahman and her 29 rivals kept their brawn under wraps in front of the crowd of hundreds.</p><p>Rahman and the other competitors struck poses on stage wearing tight leggings and body-hugging outfits during the three-day event that finished on Sunday and was held in the capital Dhaka. </p><p>"I am really happy, I really worked hard for this," Rahman told AFP.</p><p>"It never entered my mind that someone might criticise me for showing my body. My brother, who runs a fitness centre, has always encouraged me," she added.</p><p>"We were told there would be proper dress code and the outfit provided was perfect from a Bangladeshi perspective."</p><p>Bangladesh Bodybuilding Federation general secretary Nazrul Islam said there had been a huge response to the landmark women’s competition which aimed to encourage health and fitness. </p><p>"We were very careful about the dress code because of our religious and social culture. We selected long sleeve crop tops and leggings for the girls," he added.</p><p>Islam predicted the competition would help create jobs for women in the growing number of gymnasiums in Bangladesh where women now have memberships.</p><p>Nearly 90 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim and women are making a growing impact in sport including cricket, football and archery.</p><p></p>

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.