Khundrakpam Pradipkumar Singh: Poised to win

Imphal, Jan. 6: Bodybuilder Khundrakpam Pradipkumar Singh has decided that he will not be satisfied with a single Mr India title.

Pradipkumar, who tested positive for HIV seven years ago, today kicked off his preparations for this year’s title. The 37-year-old bodybuilder won Mr Manipur contest in the 60-kg category in December 2007.

He disclosed his HIV status to the people only after winning the title. In 2006, he won a silver medal in the same category.

Pradipkumar, a resident of Khamnam Leirak in Imphal West, instantly became a household name in Manipur after he won the contest organised by the All Manipur Body Building competition in December and disclosed his health condition.

Encouraged by friends, peers in the bodybuilding circuit and NGOs working in the field of HIV and AIDS, Pradipkumar today began his “heavy exercises” as part of his preparations for the contest, to be held on March 20 in Meerut.

“I have started with six hours heavy exercises today in a local gym. I may gradually increase the exercise hours as the day of competition draws near,” Pradipkumar said.

He aspires to win the Mr India title in the 60-kg category and also compete in the international arena. “I am confident that with hard work and positive attitude I can win again,” he said.

The Manipur Network of Positive People and Social Awareness and Service Organisation, both leading NGOs fighting against the scourge of HIV and AIDS, felicitated Pradipkumar yesterday.

The NGOs handed him a sum of Rs 18,000 to supplement his diet. The Manipur AIDS Control Society and some other organisations promised to help him in his efforts. “I am grateful to all those who helped me. The money given to me yesterday will enable me to support my diet for a month. This is indeed a great help to me as my parents are finding it difficult to manage,” he said.

The son of a retired government official Kalachand and Mema, a former teacher, his diet consists of 10 litres of milk and 20 eggs daily. But the financial condition of his family forced him to compromise with his diet.

Pradipkumar began his exercise at the local gym for the Mr India contest. He said he might consult Bipin Singh, a well-known coach for bodybuilding as the day of the contest approached.