FORMER Mr Fiji Mohammed Buksh believes the growth of young talent in recent years presents a bright future for the sport.
Buksh, who has again sponsored the trophies and medals for the National Championship in Nadi this afternoon, said Fiji could breed top class bodybuilders.
He said nutritional diet and rest were the key elements in bodybuilding.
Buksh emphasised that bodybuilders needed to sleep at least eight to ten hours daily to allow their muscles to grow.
"I'm glad to be back in the country but I have been making regular trips for the past five years," the Canadian resident said.
"We are looking forward to a good championship and this time we have the ladies competing as well. During my days, bodybuilding was small. But it has grown since then. Nowdays there are many bodybuilders.
"I have been bringing in the trophies and medals to make the events more attractive. I hope the sport grows even bigger.
"There are certainly medal prospects in Fiji. For the upcoming bodybuilders, they must train hard."
Buksh was Fiji's top bodybuilder in the 1960s.
The National Championship will be held at the Fiji National University campus in Namaka from 3pm.