A be ‘fitting’ reward

INDIA’S FIRST MEN’S PHYSIQUE ATHLETE OPENS UP ON HIS JOURNEY INTO THE FITNESS WORLD

From an aspiring cricketer to India’s only Men’s Physique athlete, Mumbai-based Miihier Singh has risen to each of his roles with finesse. The 25-year-old boasts of the much-desired physique among contenders in his sport, and his focus is on being among the world’s best physique athletes and bringing India laurels.

Singh used to play cricket during his school days at Shivaji Park and even played junior cricket for English County Surrey after moving to London for higher studies. But fitness was always his first love and eventually he got hooked to it. “I always wanted to be fit: Having a good lifestyle; eating good and clean food is a part of bodybuilding. I wanted to be healthy, so the transition (to the requirements of the sport) was smooth,” said Miihier, who was the gold medallist at the Mr India Men’s Physique National Champion 2014.

“I took inspiration from athletes like Arnold Schwarzeneggar. And I like Sachin Tendulkar too. Imagine, he played 24 years of international cricket which needs a lot of fitness!” added Singh who was the first to represent India at the 47th Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship held in Vietnam in 2013 and stood fourth among 350 athletes.

He went on to win the silver medal at the fifth World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship held in Budapest, Hungary, that same year (2013). However, last year, he missed out on a few important competitions like the Arnold Classic due to injuries. He is hopeful of a strong comeback. “Currently I am nursing a minor chest injury over the past two weeks due to heavy workouts. When you are injured, it takes a toll on you. I ensure I’ll give enough time for recovery. I always stay mentally strong for a comeback. This is the second injury in my career. Life is hard but coming through hard times shows your true character,” he said.

“I am looking to win a medal in the Olympia in Las Vegas scheduled this September. I am also looking forward to the Mr World competition in December. I want to give my best in every competition and win medals for India. They say India is 20 years behind in fitness. I want to prove that is wrong,” added Singh who has done courses in sports nutrition and sports psychology and counsels people on fitness.

During the off-season, Singh is busy with health seminars and promo events. “I keep myself busy making appearances for sponsors and endorsing brands and I also do seminars for the youth, children and elderly to educate them about nutrition. I also spend some time learning cooking, my mother teaches me. I keep myself busy and love to hang out with old friends from school when free,” he said.

And even amidst his busy schedule, the fitness freak ensures he eats well and stays fit. “I ensure I follow a strict diet. Food is the most important thing. I remain focused and work out to remain fit and enhance stamina,” he said.

Singh feels meeting Arnold Schwarzeneggar was the best thing that happened to him. “I had great experiences while travelling abroad for competitions and meeting Arnold was a dream come true. He is the god of fitness,” he signs off.

DIET

■ BREAKFAST: 6 egg whites, 100 gm oats, 2 bananas, oranges

■ LUNCH: 250 gm chicken and 250 gm brown rice

■ SNACK: 6 egg whites/dry muesli

■ DINNER: 250 gm salmon fish, green vegetables, broccoli

■ IN BETWEEN: Almonds and walnuts

RAPID FIRE

■ FAVOURITE ACTOR: Akshay Kumar

■ FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Las Vegas

■ FAVOURITE SPORT OTHER THAN BODYBUILDING: Cricket

■ FAVOURITE PASTIME: Listening to rap music and dancing

■ WORLD CUP CRICKET MEMORY: Sachin Tendulkar — holding the World Cup in 2011.