Raghu Ramappa hopes this victory will increase recognition of bodybuilding as a sport
Actor and bodybuilder Raghu Ramappa has just clinched two golds and two silvers at the recently conducted INBA PNBA New Zealand Pro Am International Pacific Rim Championships 2024 in Auckland. After m...
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Actor and bodybuilder Raghu Ramappa achieved two gold medals and two silver medals at the recent INBA PNBA New Zealand Pro Am International Pacific Rim Championships 2024 in Auckland. After facing significant hardships and dedicating months of hard work, Raghu expressed his joy at the successful outcome, stating, "Over 200 athletes from 20 countries participated in the championship. I am thrilled to have qualified for the Natural Olympia event in Las Vegas, often likened to the Olympics of natural bodybuilding, scheduled for November." Raghu, who has pursued bodybuilding since his college years, credits his father as his initial coach who instilled in him a love for the sport. At 72 years old, Raghu's father continues to embody traditional bodybuilding techniques, advocating for a natural approach without resorting to harmful steroids which are prevalent in the industry. Raghu warns against the dangers of quick-fix solutions offered by some coaches that can have long-term consequences on one's health. Reflecting on his struggles securing sponsorships for international competitions, Raghu acknowledges the challenges faced by athletes who rely on external support. He emphasizes the lack of recognition for non-cricket sports in India, attributing it to the country's cricket-centric culture, where talented athletes in other disciplines often go unnoticed. Raghu criticizes the interference of unqualified politicians in sports administration, highlighting the need for genuine support and encouragement for athletes across various sports."Everything you see in movies is often based on reality. Raghu notes that if sports were prioritized in schools and talented individuals were identified and developed, the situation could improve."