Chico Garritano, the esteemed head judge of the International Bodyboarding Corporation (IBC), has expressed his excitement for the upcoming 'Visit Maldives Pro 2023,' which he considers to be the most significant tournament on the IBC World Tour.
The event, set to take place from August 3–12 in Raalhugandu, marks the second time that an IBC World Tour tournament will be hosted in the breathtaking archipelago.
Describing this year's competition as "twice as intense and bigger" than its predecessor, Chico emphasized the dedication of both athletes and the IBC in preparing for the highly anticipated event.
"It feels different to be back in the country. This time, it will be more intense than last year. The quality will improve. Once again, the tournament is already a big one for us. The MBBA is doing a lot of hard work. We will see it this time, twice as much as last year," said Chico, representing Brazil.
The success of last year's tournament has generated enthusiasm among spectators, leading to a surge in interest and attendance for this year's event. Chico acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the Maldives Bodyboarding Association (MBBA) in ensuring top-quality arrangements.
"I had said before the start of the tournament last year that the country's tournament would be the best quality event on the IBC Tour. I saw it even at the end of the tournament," asserted Chico, who holds extensive experience as a senior judge in numerous IBC World Tour competitions.
A key factor contributing to the tournament's intensity is its placement in the middle of the IBC Tour. Bodyboarders competing in the Maldives Pro have a higher chance of clinching the world title, making this event a crucial opportunity for athletes seeking victory on the global stage.
"The fact that more athletes are competing in this year's competition than last year is proof of that," Chico remarked, highlighting the growing prominence of the event. Notably, this year's tournament has attracted top-ranked bodyboarders who did not participate in the previous edition.
Chico also praised the rising standard of local bodyboarders in the Maldives, expressing confidence in their potential to compete at the world level. He forecasted that a local athlete would soon make a mark on the global stage.
"The quality of locals is also improving. This year, we are confident of achieving more. I can tell you that in the coming days, a local bodyboarder will compete for the world title. It's in the middle of the tour. So, this is the most important tournament. A winner has a high chance of winning the world title. It's going to be one of the strongest events of all time," he asserted confidently.
In preparation for the tournament, Chico conducted the IBC judging seminar, replicating the successful initiative from the previous year. Participants from the Maldives, including the country's first female participant, Lujain Hassan, who impressed the audience with her victory in the women's section of the 2022 Burunu Shikar Challenge, attended the informative seminar held in Male' city.
With Visit Maldives Pro 2023' just around the corner, anticipation is building among bodyboarding enthusiasts worldwide. As the IBC World Tour's most crucial event, athletes are gearing up to showcase their skills and determination with the hope of becoming the next world champion. The serene and captivating backdrop of the Maldives is ready to witness exhilarating performances that will go down in bodyboarding history.
