India's first Mr Universe turns 100
Monday, March 19, 2012Omoba
Former Mr Universe Manohar
Aich reached the biggest milestone of his life in 1952 to become India's first
Mr Universe, the most prestigious title for a bodybuilder. Sixty years later, a
day after Sachin Tendulkar became the only batsman to notch 100 international
tons, Aich scored a century too as he entered the 100th year of his life.
"People
are comparing me to Sachin Tendulkar. It's funny," says Aich sporting a
toothless grin as he celebrated his 100th birthday with his large family of
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. But
India's 'Pocket Hercules' with his tiny frame of 4ft 11inch is still full of
energy. Ask him to flex his muscles and he does so without any hesitation
removing his T-shirt.
"It
was in the jail that I began weight training seriously. This helped me prepare
myself for the world championship," Aich said.
The
bodybuilder did shows to fund his Mr Universe 1951 participation in London
where he finished second. He stayed on in England to prepare for the next year.
He worked for British Rail and trained himself to win the title in short
category the next year.
"I
returned home only after winning the competition. The British Rail paid for my
ticket," he said.
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