Bodybuilding & Physique Championship ‘NPC North India & Mr Tricity’ held

Panchkula: Mandeep Singh, from Chandigarh was declared as the overall winner in the Bodybuilding North India and Tricity competition category at the 2nd edition of “NPC North India and Mr Tricity” bodybuilding and physique championship held at Indradhanush Auditorium here on Sunday.

The mega event was organised by the National Physique Committee (NPC) North India – the renowned bodybuilding organisation in India under the banner of NPC Worldwide USA.

Addressing the media, Atinderjeet Singh, NPC State Head, Chandigarh said, “NPC is the most coveted and important calendar event in the world of bodybuilding as it acts as a qualifier for the country's most prestigious bodybuilding competitions - Amateur Olympia and Sheru Classic. Moreover, the title holds a great significance as it provides a platform for athletes to showcase their talent and helps in channelizing the energies of youth in the right direction.”

The championship was held in different weight class categories - 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg and 90 kg and above in Bodybuilding North India and Tricity categories.

In Bodybuilding North India & Tricity 65-70 kgs weight category, Sharik won gold, while Sandeep and Deepak Awana bagged silver and bronze medals respectively. In the 70-75 kgs weight category, Afzal Khan bagged gold, while Rishav and Sarfaraz Ansari settled on 2nd and 3rd positions. Mandeep Singh – a Chandigarh lad clinched gold medal while Sunmeet Gill and Sidhant Singh Janiwal won silver and bronze competing in 85 kg weight category.

In NPC Junior Men’s Physique, Krishan Gopal won gold medal while Anmol Singh bagged silver and Simrandeep Singh bronze respectively. While participating in the open weight category, Akashdeep Sandhu clinched a gold medal, while Anesh Beniwal and Balram Kumar stood 2nd and 3rd respectively.

As many as 200 athletes including men and women participated in the competition from tricity, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh for the NPC North India, Mr. Tricity and other coveted titles.

The event was judged by Lovleen NPC State Head, Punjab;  Sunil Lochab, NPC State Head, Delhi;  Dr Som Tugnait, IFBB Pro League Judge;  Dr Rita Jairath,  IFBB Pro League Judge and  Dr Ankur Hastir.

On being asked how the organisation is helping out to bring more young women bodybuilder talent in the country,  Sahil Dhingra, State Manager, NPC, Chandigarh briefed, “Breaking all bastions in what is primarily considered a male-dominated sport women bodybuilders in India are showing a lot of enthusiasm by adopting bodybuilding as a profession. Since its inception, NPC has always been at the forefront in providing a platform for women bodybuilders where they can showcase their talent. And we are also bringing sponsors to identify talent and support athletes in their careers."

Aman Puri, Founder of Steadfast Nutrition, which was associated with the championship, said, “Steadfast has been associated with this championship since we wanted to provide a platform for aspiring bodybuilders to showcase their talent. By presenting contests like these, we want to expand the sport’s reach and encourage the youth to take up bodybuilding as a career.”

The highlight of the event was the 'Star  Category' in which physically challenged individuals showcased their muscular bodies, developed by sheer dint of hard work and despite having physical issues. Another attraction was the way women bodybuilders flexed their muscles and impressed the judges.

The competition was also held under these categories – Classic Physique North India and Tricity – up to & including 5.7 feet, 5.9 feet, and 5.9 feet and overall respectively.  Men's Physique North India and Tricity up to & including 5.7 feet, 5.9 feet, and 5.9 feet. BW