Organised by the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFFB) the Arnold Classic Worldwide brings together the world's best bodybuilders in a series of events that began in Columbus US earlier this month.

The Australian event was the second of the six-leg series and the 36 year old Hasani came up with a podium finish in the up to 90kg category.

Ashkanani gets gold

Experienced Kuwaiti bodybuilder Ahmad Ashkanani won the gold and was also declared the overall champion.

Hasani was among the 18 to make it to the final round and claimed a silver ahead of Australian champion Ankur Sharma.

Hasani had earlier won a gold and a silver medal the World Bodybuilding & Physique Federation (WBPF) Grand Prix in Hungary in 2013 but rated the latest achievement 'the most memorable'.

In his remarks to Muscat Daily on his return from Melbourne Hasani said 'It was a very tough competition with the best in the business out there. The Arnold Classic attracted a total of 200 bodybuilders across various categories.

'I was in a tough field that had some big names like Kuwait's Ashkanani. But I managed to pull off a good show to edge past a local hero for a silver' said the Omani who runs a private gym in Mabella.

Hasani said 'I was nominated by the Oman Bodybuilding Committee (OBC) for the Arnold Classic. My preparations got a boost when Kuwait's Wawan Protein backed me and took me under their wings.

'They had sent me to the US for a three-week training stint in Phoenix under one of the leading coaches Dennis James. My training stint in the US laid the foundation as we travelled to Australia nearly two weeks in advance for the competition.'

James is a renowned coach having had a remarkable career that had him compete in seven Mr Olympia events with his best result a fourth-place finish in 2003.