The 2025 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Mr Universe Chinese Taipei competition began yesterday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, with more than 150 athletes showcasing their physiques.
It is the first time in 16 years that the IFBB has held a competition in Taiwan, the last being the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung.
The professional bodybuilding contest is bringing together athletes from Taiwan and 16 other countries, including Malaysia, Japan, the US, France and Mexico.
Photo: CNA
IFBB Chinese Taipei president Hsu An-chin said in an interview yesterday that the event came to Taiwan thanks to his lobbying efforts at last year’s Asian Championships in Mongolia.
The competition offers valuable international experience for local athletes and emphasizes that fitness and bodybuilding are the foundation of all sports, benefiting people of all ages — especially the elderly — by preventing muscle loss and promoting health, he said.
A highlight of the event was Taiwan’s Wu Jin-long, 58, who delivered the athlete’s oath. A long-time competitor with more than 30 years of experience and multiple international medals, Wu initially took up bodybuilding to relieve stress.
He now trains daily and is a nationally certified judge, Hsu said.
Hsu added that American film star Arnold Schwarzenegger won the IFBB Mr Universe title in 1969, a victory that launched his acting career and made him a global icon.
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