Carrying forward the legacy of Nongthombam Maipak, the Father of Body Building in Manipur, Punshiba Konthoujam, who is in his mid 20s, has made a mark in the world of professional body building.
It is a moment of pride for Manipur, the sports powerhouse of the nation, as Punshiba fared well than his opponents to clinch the coveted Mr India senior title in a competition held by the Indian Federation of Body Builders (IFBB).
Born to K Nilachandra and Inaobi of Kodompokpi Maning Leikai, Imphal West, Punshiba the promising athlete took up bodybuilding after completing his graduation in 2017.
In the same competition held at Aurangabad in Maharashtra from October 25 to 27, Punshiba added several other feathers to his cap. He won the silver medal in the Mr Universe senior category of the 61st Junior Mr India-2023, 63rd senior Mr India-2023 and 2nd IFBB Mr Universe, India.
What makes Punshiba’s achievements so special is the fact that his name will now find mention with Nongthombam Maipak, an inspiration for generations, who won the Mr India title in 1970.
Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Punshiba Konthoujam said that he admires Nonthongbam Maipak and gave credit to his close friends as well his personal trainer for his grand success.
He said, “I started bodybuilding in 2017 after my graduation. Yes we know him (Nongthombam Maipak) as the Father of Body building in Manipur. But the one who really inspired me were my friend Bibeswar Yanghem, who is my college friend, and my coach Rishikanta Laitonjam.”
To pursue his career at the highest level, Punshiba definitely had to get some financial backing as professional bodybuilding is one of the expensive games.
Fortunately, now he has been sponsored by Transformium Nutrition, a leading supplement brand.
He said, “I do not have any financial sponsor but last month I got sponsored by Transformium Nutrition from Manoj Patel, he is also a bodybuilder.”
As of today, Punshiba tries to make ends meet by being engaged as a personal trainer for aspiring bodybuilders.
“Right now I am working as a personal trainer in a gym and I have many other online clients from other states.
When asked about his future endeavours, the bodybuilder said, “I have many plans but right now, I am taking some rest. From June 2024, I am planning to compete in few championships.”
The review meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.
In total, around 1,200-1,400 houses primarily belonging to Bengali-speaking Muslims, were demolished during the eviction…