India's first Mr Universe turns 100
Former Mr Universe Manohar Aich reached the biggest milestone of his life in 1952 to become India's first Mr Universe, the most prestigious title for a bodybuilder. Sixty years later, a day after Sachin Tendulkar became the only batsman to notch 100 international tons, Aich scored a century too as he entered the 100th year of his life.
"People are comparing me to Sachin Tendulkar. It's funny," says Aich sporting a toothless grin as he celebrated his 100th birthday with his large family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. But India's 'Pocket Hercules' with his tiny frame of 4ft 11inch is still full of energy. Ask him to flex his muscles and he does so without any hesitation removing his T-shirt.
"It was in the jail that I began weight training seriously. This helped me prepare myself for the world championship," Aich said.
The bodybuilder did shows to fund his Mr Universe 1951 participation in London where he finished second. He stayed on in England to prepare for the next year. He worked for British Rail and trained himself to win the title in short category the next year.
"I returned home only after winning the competition. The British Rail paid for my ticket," he said.
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