Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of 50 shortlisted participants from 80 hopefuls have made it to the B.Fit Challenge after a gruelling three-day selection process.

Saturday evening's final round saw the participants engaged in a 45-minute yoga exercise followed by a light cooling down exercise and during the subsequent break, B-Mobile as the organiser, had a final discussion and deliberation in picking the top 50 contenders.

The three-day preview was conducted to shortlist the top 50 participants. Participants experienced and endured few of the exercise regimes as part of the upcoming nine-week programme to show B-Mobile, the B.Fit organiser, that they deserved to be in the top 50.

Contestants waited anxiously in the hopes of making it to the next stage of the B.Fit challenge. One of the hopefuls was Siti Nur Duratul Hikmah Hj Rosli.

She said that initially she was nervous but the feeling turned into excitement when her name was called out as one of the top 50. She also enjoyed the experience of meeting new friends as well as getting to know instructors and motivators who provided her with encouragement to work harder.

From the 50, the contenders were divided into five groups and each group comprises 10 team members.

The 50 contestants were given a starter kit gym bag containing their workout essentials, courtesy of B-Mobile and were also briefed on what they will be experiencing in the nine weeks to come.

These contestants were chosen based on the results from their health screening test, video audition and their commitment, attendance and enthusiasm during the three-day workout preview.

Another important component that B.Fit organisers are looking into to determine those who are able to compete in this first-ever national health challenge is the participants' motivation and drive to achieve that life-changing experience.

Present to congratulate the 50 contestants at the final day of the preview was Head of the B.Fit Challenge Committee, Nurul Haniah Hj Jaafar.

She also delivered words of encouragement and appreciation to the remaining registrants for making the effort and coming this far although they were not enlisted in the Top 50 and advised them to keep on going to pursue a healthier tomorrow.

B.Fit Challenge will commence today and the opening ceremony will take place on October 7.

During the nine-week programme, contestants will undergo a one-day body assessment, counselling and nutritional talks, two days of gym workout sessions and a one-day group workout activity.

Some of the weekly challenges will be held outdoors and the public are invited to participate in some of the activities.