Time ticking out for Anton’s dream
The physique and looks of Lucian Anton Pushparaj may give anyone an impression that he is just another muscle maniac. But only a handful is aware that Anton (30) lives in the slums and that has not been a setback to the silver medal he won at the recently held Mr. Asia Bodybuilding Competition.
The man who brought the highest fame to the country in the body building and fitness sport, which is somewhat equivalent to what the sprint queen Susanthika Jayasinghe brought to Sri Lanka, lives in a shanty-like hut in a village called ‘Kala Eliya’ in the outskirts of Ja-Ela. Anton won the silver medal in the 100kg event at the Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships held from June 19 to 22 at the Sugathadasa In- door Stadium in Colombo, but his journey has not been so rosy.
More than 200 competitors from 23 countries participated at this allAsia Championship where Lucian was the only competitor under this weight range from Sri Lanka. From a total of 15 competitors the best six performers were selected for the final.
Anton entered into competitions only two years ago and during this period he has won a number of national and international accolades such as Mr. Sri Lanka and a Gold Medal at the Oman Championship.
Though he is employed as a bodybuilding instructor in Oman, he spends all his earn- ings to manage and maintain his body fitness to be competitive. He said that there are three most prestigious events in the annals of Bodybuilding and Fitness in the World. They are the World Championships, Arnold Classics and Mr. Olympia.
“Come what may, I will compete in all these prestigious events,” but to prepare for them he said that a massive cost is involved. He said that it is most unfortunate that no sponsor has come forward yet as without financial backing it would be an impossible task to procure that amount of funds.
It is extremely sad, in a country where millions and millions rupees are pumped to more glamorous reality shows whereas no one has yet come forward to sponsor a person who has brought in highest fame to the country.
Time is running out, he said as the World Championships are scheduled to take place in Brazil this November. He said that there are pre-qualification competitions.
When the Sunday Times met this giant-like personality in his shantylike abode, he spoke with a very heavy heart in two minds whether he could participate in these world events. But his confident mother, Mary Ursula hugged him with her blessings. “My son, God is with you, you can bring the cup to Sri Lanka”. His mother’s blessings have always been Anton’s tower of strength and it will remain to be in his long walk ahead.