Lonikand man, 55, wins two golds at ICN Natural Goa international bodybuilding contest

Most people drift away from exercise and fitness once they cross 50, keeping in mind advancing age, health complaints and the body's limits. An inspiring story from Pune district shows that age is only a number.

Rajendra Parshuram Gaikwad, a resident of Loni Kalbhor in Haveli taluka, won two gold medals at an international bodybuilding competition at the age of 55. At the ICN Natural bodybuilding competition, regarded as a prestigious and very tough event in Asia, he took first place in both the Men's Classic Physique and Men's Physique categories.

His beginning was not easy. In 2017 he weighed 97 kg. He suffered constant headaches and trouble with blood pressure and sugar, and had to depend on painkillers. He resolved to get out of that situation.

That same year, his friend Sachin Tatya Tupe introduced him to trekking. He first went trekking only out of interest, but climbing hills tests the body, and he developed a liking for exercise and began taking his health more seriously.

In 2018 he decided to join a gym. Around then a friend challenged him: "If you build a six-pack, I will give you Rs 2 lakh." For Gaikwad the bet was not only about the money but a chance to prove himself. The bet gave his life a new direction, and the fitness journey that began there has now reached an international gold medal.

After proving himself, he decided to enter bodybuilding competitions. He had competed three times before without the success he wanted, but he did not give up. He learned something from each contest and concentrated on improving his preparation.

This year he entered the ICN Natural Goa international bodybuilding competition and showed his strength in two different categories. He faced some of the best bodybuilders in Asia, and won on the strength of his physique and hard work. The achievement is a feather in the cap of Loni Kalbhor and Pune district.

ICN is an international organisation that promotes natural bodybuilding and holds bodybuilding and fitness competitions in different countries. ICN Natural Goa is considered an important competition for fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders in India. Its hallmark is encouraging athletes who build their bodies naturally. Marks are given for physique, muscle definition, balance, posing, stage presentation and overall fitness.

The competition has categories including Men's Physique, Classic Physique, Bodybuilding, Sports Model and Fitness Model. There are also separate Masters categories for athletes above 40 and above 50, so athletes of all age groups can show their skills.