Berhampur, Feb. 25: Medical students who are taught to dissect human bodies can also excel in bodybuilding.

Meet 21-year-old Manas Ranjan Samal. A third-year MBBS student at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital has proved that bodybuilding can also be a forte for medical students like him.

Manas bagged the 'Ganjam Kumar' title in the 75-kg junior category and runners-up prize in 'Ganjam Shree' senior category in a bodybuilding competition. Organised by the Ganjam Bodybuilding Association at the Vijaya Mandap, the event took place yesterday.

Talking to The Telegraph , the budding bodybuilder said: "I was very lean and thin during my college days. But, I had immense interest in bodybuilding. It has eventually helped me to improve my personality as well as fitness level." He also said that he desists from eating meat and is total vegetarian.

"Manas has a bright future and has tremendous interest in bodybuilding," said Susanta Kumar Madala, one of the founder members of the Ganjam Bodybuilding Association, which was established in 1940. Manas is now training under the direct supervision of Madala in a gymnasium in Gandhi Nagar. He has been training here since the last couple of years.

Manas's colleagues at MKCG, Adarsha Mrutyunjay and Baikuntha Sahu praised his determination. They said Manas does regular physical exercises and takes bodybuilding seriously. "Medical students are not only good with their studies, they are also good at art and have immense creativity. It is evident from the annual scientific exhibition. Bodybuilding competitions are occasions to showcase our talents. We congratulate Manas," said Mrutyunjay.

The six feet, two inches tall Manas, who hails from Baripada in Mayurbhanj district weighs 75 kg and can be seen at the gym every evening from 6 to 9 pm."MBBS is a vast course and frankly speaking, I have ignored my studies for the last couple of months to prepare for the bodybuilding competition. I am also going to target the 'Odisha Shree' competition, that will be held at the Khallikote College stadium on March 8. I am excited," said Manas.

Ganesh Prasad Samal, a veterinary surgeon and the father of Manas, though is a bit apprehensive. He thinks bodybuilding can affect his studies.

His mother Srimati and sister Priyanka, who is a school teacher supports Manas in his bodybuilding endeavour.