The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Not just your average beauty pageant

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 07, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Not just your average beauty pageant

Meera Srinivasan

`Mr.Star Chennai 2007' sees participants flaunt their muscles

SHOW OF STRENGTH: (From right) K. Mohan, S. Barani Kumar and H. Raja, who were adjudged winner, first runner-up and second runner-up respectively, in the `Mr.Star Chennai 2007' contest on Sunday. — PHOTO: R. RAGU

CHENNAI: The `Mr.Star Chennai 2007'contest, organised by the Adyar Sports Academy here on Sunday, was everything that an average beauty pageant for women is not. From the modest venue to the humble backgrounds of the participants, the contest was a sharp contrast to its counterpart.

K. Mohan, winner in the 55-kilogram category, works in the canteen of a private hospital. Besides a rigid workout routine, he follows a diet chart that includes rotis, eggs and chicken.

"It has been my dream to become a bodybuilder ... Everyday, I spend at least three hours at the gym,' he said. However, this victory would hardly mean anything to his parents and relatives. "No one encourages me at home, as they see no future in this," said the 22-year-old.

Mohan, who disagrees with them, is determined to take part in national and international contests.

Second runner-up H. Raja perceives the contest as an opportunity that would later enable him to find a job in the railways. S. Barani Kumar was adjudged the first runner-up.

Winners said the practice of taking steroids was prevalent among contestants at such events.

"I take protein supplements, but there are a few who take steroid injections. Unfortunately, there are no tests before the contest and they get away with it," Raja said.

The contestants were asked to pose in seven standard ways, as per the guidelines of the Indian Bodybuilding Federation. As the young men flaunted their muscles, cheering squads in the audience clapped and called out their friends' names.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president M. Krishnasswamy gave away the prizes to the winners. The first prize was a cash award of Rs.3,000, while the runners-up received Rs.2,000 and Rs.1,000 respectively.

A contest for men in the 60-kg category followed.

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