Raja Narendra, 32, has yet brought laurels to Hyderabad by winning the prestigious International Physique League conducted in California. Raja won the titles in two separate categories – One as the best Body Builder and another as Sports Model.
Already an achiever of various Gold medals in various tournaments such as All India National Medals (2), State Gold Medals (10), and a South India Silver Medal, Raja had worked for relentless 16 months for his latest participation (International Physique League). “For those 16 months, I completely focused on my workout. Life revolved mostly around Gym,” shares Raja. “While my preparations were in full swing, I lacked the money for other requirements such as flight tickets to California, accommodation, etc. By a stroke of luck, some kind people came forward to sponsor my tickets, accommodation, and all other expenses,” he adds.
Raja started his career in Bodybuilding and Weightlifting at the age of 14 years. “My father wanted to be a sports person, but he couldn’t. So he encouraged me to be one,” says Raja recounting his early days when he made a plunge into bodybuilding.
Speaking of his daily routine, he shares, “My day starts at 5 in the morning. I head out to the gym at 8am . The time in between is spent loading my body with natural amino acids and carbohydrates. All day I workout with breaks for breakfast and lunch. I finish my dinner at 7 pm, and hit the bed between 9:30 and 10:00 pm. The last intake of the day is raw papaya and cucumber juice.”
Plans are afoot to participate in Mr World, Mr Universe, and other such coveted titles that will begin from mid 2019. “I will soon begin work for these tournaments. It’s a dream to bring these titles to Hyderabad, and make my city proud of me,” says a determined Raja. “Money is a concern though.”
“So far Octopus Studio, a city-based independent talent management brand has and is promoting me,” informs Raja.
Upon speaking to the founder of Octopus Studio, Rahul Reddy, it is learnt that while his company’s support is always there for young talent in the fields of art, sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, it is difficult to rope in big sponsors that may be needed for cracking international tournaments where a large amount of monetary help is needed. “In Raja’s case, we knocked the doors of several big brands to help get sponsorship for him. However, received no response from anywhere,” shares Rahul Reddy. #KhabarLive