|
| Former Mr Manipur N. Maipak Singh at the Ideal Blind School Fitness Centre on Friday. Picture by UB Photos |
Imphal, March 22: National gold medallist Kh. Budhinanda’s dream of competing in international powerlifting tournaments has got a shot in the arm with the opening of a fitness centre in his school today.
The Class X student of Ideal Blind School at Takeyl in Imphal West had almost given up hopes of participating in international meets because there was no gymnasium in the area, where he can practise regularly. “I am very happy because I can now exercise and work hard to win more medals. I am grateful to Animal gym since the fitness centre will help all students here to become healthy,” Budhinanda said.
Former Mr Manipur N. Maipak Singh opened the Ideal Blind School Fitness Centre on the school premises today. Equipment worth Rs 1.07 lakh was made by Animal gym’s fitness equipment manufacturing factory, especially designed for visually impaired students to ensure they do not receive injuries.
“A visually impaired boy came to my gym once with the help of a friend. He expressed his desire to join my gym. But I knew it would be difficult for him to work out in a normal gym regularly. Subsequently, I decided to open a centre at the blind school,” said R.K. Viswajit Singh, the founder of Animal gym.
Viswajit has set up a similar fitness centre inside Sajiwa Jail in Imphal East on July 14 last year.
The founder of Animal gym and his team will also provide training to the students of the school for an initial period of two months and subsequently make regular visits after the training session.
Viswajit Singh said after meeting Budhinanda and hearing of his success, he was encouraged to open the fitness centre.
Budhinanda won the gold medal in the junior category (52-59kg) at the 4th national powerlifting meet for the blind organised by the India Blind Sports Association in New Delhi in January last year.
He had practised only for 15 days before the meet under P. Robindro Singh, a fitness trainer. A teacher had accompanied him to Robindro’s fitness centre at Kongba in Imphal East.
“Our students are good in sports. The visual impairment restricts their movements to some extent and often they become physically weak. The fitness centre will help them to become fit. I thank Animal gym for setting up the fitness centre,” Y. Brajamohan, the school principal said.
Four students had also participated in the 18th national sports meet for the blind in December last year and three of them won four gold and two silver medals.
| 
