For over a decade, G Balakrishna, a 25-year-old water-tanker driver in Bengaluru, has been training hard and collecting funds to fulfill his ambition of becoming a world-class bodybuilder.
Last week, he came closer to his goal when he was crowned Mr Asia 2016 at the recently concluded 5th Phil-Asia bodybuilding championships in the Philippines, reports The Hindu.
He is often referred to as the 'Arnold Schwarzenegger of Whitefield' after the world famous body builder and Hollywood actor, and the Bengaluru suburb of Whitefield where he lives.
Three years go, in 2013, Balakrishna won Mr. Universe Under-24 junior contest in Germany. And, in 2014, he won the Mr. Universe title in the same category at the world championship in Athens in Greece.
Despite holding a regular job, the 25-year-old makes time to train for nearly six hours every day at home. His daily diet includes 750 g of chicken, 25 eggs, 300 g of rice, and 200 g of vegetables and fruits.
Here's a video of Balakrishna training:
And. here's a video from the Mr Asia contest:
However, lack of funds make it difficult for Balakrishna to participate in international bodybuilding championships. As his salary as a gym instructor wasn't enough to provide for his family and his ambitions, Balakrishna set up a water-tanker business in 2010.
The Hindunotes how residents of Whitefield in Bengaluru have helped the bodybuilder raise funds for his international contests. Even after the latest feather in his cap, Balakrishna's worries are far from over.
"Despite winning the championship, my worry will always be of funds. With no government support, I still struggle to participate in bodybuilding championships outside the country," he said.
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