The Gateway of India
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Mumbai, formally known as "Bombay", is in the State of Maharashtra and is located on the central-western coast of India, on the Arabian Sea.
Ancient yet modern, Mumbai is India in microcosm. Once a sultry tropical archipelago of seven islands, and the Raj's brightest jewel, Mumbai today is a teeming metropolis and commercial hub.
 The Victoria Terminus
On an Inspection Tour of Mumbai before the event, Paul Chua, DSM, IFBB Vice President for Asia, remarked: "The people of India are world-renowned for their hospitality. The bodybuilding fans of India are just as well-known for their in-depth knowledge of, and vociferous support for, the sport of bodybuilding."
Paul further remarked: "No stone is being left unturned by the Organizing Committee to ensure that the competitors, delegates, officials and supporters from around the world experience a first-class event all the way."
 The Haji Ali Mosque
As would be later seen and experienced by all participants, these "prophetic" words were, to say the least, an understatement. In all areas, the Organizing Committee treated the bodybuilding world to a superbly organized, highly professional week of activities and events.
From the warm welcome at the Mumbai International Airport; to the superb accommodations at the Oberoi and Oberoi Towers; to the wonderful Indian cuisine; to visiting UNESCO World Heritage sights such as the Gateway of India, the Victoria Terminus, the Haji Ali Mosque, and the residence of Mahatma Gandhi; to the skillful and professional organization of the Prejudging and Finals (attended by over 12,000 spectators); to the Farewell Banquet - all participants left Mumbai with nothing but the highest of praise for the Organizing Committee.
 Left to right: Suresh Kadam, IBBF General-Secretary, and Madhav Pujari, IBBF President
In total, 53 countries journeyed to Mumbai to participate in the IFBB's premiere Men's Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and annual International Congress. 147 elite athletes competed in 7 categories for the coveted title of "World Amateur Champion".
The 57th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships were under the kind patronage and generous support of Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Chief Minister of the State of Maharashtra, and Shri Padamsingh Patil, Minister of Command Area Development & Irrigation for the State of Maharashtra.
 Left to right: Anil and Vivek Singh of ProCam International Ltd *photo courtesy of ProCam International Ltd The Organizing Committee consisted of a collaborative effort between the Indian Bodybuilding Federation, led by Madhav Pujari, president, and Suresh Kadam, general-secretary, and ProCam International Ltd, led by brothers Anil and Vivek Singh. Together, this team rose to the monumental task of organizing and hosting the Championships and Congress.
 Members of the Organizing Committee Back Row (left to right): Pratima Chauhan, C. Jayaram, Arati Kakatkar, Farhad Irani, Ardeshir Jeejeebhoy, Avantika Akerkar Front row (left to right): Sanjeev Kapoor, Yamuna Lohidakshan, Mandar Pandya, Ashwini Patil
We say a fond "farewell" to Mumbai and to our gracious hosts - the people of India, and look forward to once again meeting in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, in Moscow, Russia, for the 58th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and International Congress.
Until then, I wish each of you peace, good health, and much success.
Ben Weider, CM, CQ, SBStJ, PhD
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