Taiwan based Manipuri wins Mr. World body building championship

The northeast, which has over the years produced many talents, has added another feather to its cap through Dr Ngangbam Shantikumar Singh, who recently won Mr. World 2013 at a bodybuilding contest held at Zakynhos, Greece.

Inspite of being a citizen of Taiwan, Manipuri native Dr Shantikumar represented Manipur in the Mr World Body Building Championship organised by International Natural Body Building Association (INBA) held on July 7.

Originally from Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Leirak in Imphal West, Dr Shantikumar married a Taiwanese Chinese citizen, Chen Nan Tai and they have four children.

"By the grace of God and the blessing from my Mom and Dad today I could win a title Mr. World Number 1. Though I am a Taiwanese citizen but I compete for my motherland Manipur (India) in the championship and I am very happy that I won gold medal and I am grateful to everyone for giving me a warm reception," said Shantikumar.

Shantikumar contested in two categories in the competition. In the age group 40-49, in which he won the gold, there was no weight limitation or height. Among the 150 athletes from around the world who had contested in these categories, Dr Shantikumar was the only Asian mongoloid.

He was warmly received by the people of Manipur at the Airport in Imphal followed by taking him to all the roads of Imphal and its adjoining areas led by a chain of rickshaws.

"I would like to convey a message for a youngster that we have our own goal to achieve so until and unless we achieve our goal we should try hard and one should believe in yourself that 'you can do it ' so that we can achieve our goal," said Shantikumar .

Shantikumar is today a source of inspiration for the youth and has proved that nothing is impossible when backed by a strong will.