IFBB President Rafael Santonja, left, met Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov, centre, and FINA President Julio Maglione at the SportAccord Summit in Bangkok ©IFBB

The International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB) President Rafael Santonja held a number of meetings with significant sporting officials during this week's SportAccord Summit here.

One of these meetings saw Santonja meet International Swimming Federation (FINA) President and honorary International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Julio Maglione, who subsequently introduced the IFBB President to Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov.

Kolobkov spoke to Santonja about bodybuilding in Russia and the upcoming elections in the Russian Bodybuilding Federation.

He also celebrated Russia's important role in the hosting of IFBB events, including the recent IFBB Moscow Cup, which saw 500 athletes descend on the Russian capital for competition.

Rafael Santonja, left, and PASO President Neven Ilic, right, discussed bodybuilding's inclusion on the Pan American Games programme at Lima next year ©IFBB
Rafael Santonja, left, and PASO President Neven Ilic, right, discussed bodybuilding's inclusion on the Pan American Games programme at Lima next year ©IFBB

Santonja also met Pan American Sports Organization President Neven Ilic and updated him with the latest bodybuilding news from the Americas.

They also spoke about the future of bodybuilding and next year's Pan American Games in the Peruvian capital Lima.

Santonja was also present at the electoral meeting of the Executive Committee of the International World Games Association in and subsequently met re-elected President Jose Perurena and new Executive Committee member Antonio Espinós to congratulate the duo on their success.