Manipur bodybuilder wins 'Mr. South Asia' title
Imphal, Nov.24 (ANI)
HIV positive Manipuri muscleman Khundrakpam Pradipkumar recently bagged the "Mr. South Asia" title in Ludhiana, Punjab, and describes his achievement as huge, given the tough competition he had to face, as also his illness.
K Pradipkumar won the title in 65 kg weight category.
"People were amazed when they came to know that I am infected with HIV. My message to all is that though I am HIV +, it is possible to lead a normal life like others," said Pradipkumar.
The All Manipur Gymnasium Welfare Association, his family, well-wishers and members of Self Support Group, recently felicitated Pradipkumar at a function here.
"He told us about winning the gold medal. We all cried out of joy. I was worried for him since he went alone, but when I heard the news, I was overwhelmed and proud of him," said Pradipkumar's mother Kh Memma Devi.
Pradipkumar also stood 8th in the Mr. World Competition last year.
He is undergoing Anti Retroviral Therapy, is now preparing for Mr. World championship scheduled to be held in Bangkok in December.