day visit from an invitation by Umar Al-Hunaizan, a young Saudi businessman and weightlifting enthusiast, Mir Mohtesham Ali Khan said he was amazed by the reception he received by members of the Indian community. Khan is the recipient of several other national and international titles. He added that he was on a very tight schedule with programs organized by a number of social and cultural organizations run by Indian expatriates in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. “From the very first day when I arrived in Jeddah, on April 25, Indian social groups and other associations have lined up programs that seem to have attracted huge crowds including a large number of students that are curious to learn about body building and how to stay fit and healthy,” Khan said. Besides, social organizations, Khan has also been invited to give lectures at a rehabilitation center for physically and mentally challenged individuals and at Gold's Gym in Jeddah, a franchise of Gold's Gym International Inc. Khan was recently appointed as the youngest coach by the Indian Body Builders Federation (IBBF) and won four medals in different categories at the Las Vegas 2010 Musclemania contest. He remarked that, inspired by the welcome he received, his Saudi host has invited him to set up a joint venture by opening a number of gym that promote health and fitness among both Saudis and Indians in the Kingdom. Khan is currently considering that proposal. The rousing response he received here has been reflected by the sheer number of people attending events felicitating him and Khan said it signifies the growing awareness among members of the Indian community and other nationalities about the importance of staying fit and healthy despite daily work schedules. “Although I am currently busy working on an initiative to set up a body building academy in my hometown Hyderabad, I look forward to contribute here as well by establishing gyms in various Saudi cities,” he noted. While speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized by the Andhra Pradesh United Society (APUS) in Riyadh, Khan said that his ambition in life is to transfer his expertise to youth by setting up a body-building academy in Hyderabad. Khan added that an eight-week fitness training program for people above the age of 40, would be the most suitable program here. The proposed gym – the feasibility study for which has already started – will target those who are above a certain age and require a proper exercise regimen to stay healthy and fit. Khan made waves after being listed among the top 10 at the Musclemania Mr World competition held in Las Vegas in 2008 and the Mr Universe bodybuilding championship in Miami, Florida in 2009. Khan has also won the title of Mr. South India three times and was Mr. South Central Railway eight times. He began working out since the age of 17 (from 1992) and has won 14 titles in India and two abroad. He has held the Mr Hyderabad and Mr Andhra Pradesh title twice and is also the recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Vidya Vikas award in 2010. Khan remarked that his journey has not been easy. “I had to maintain a strict eight-month diet regime and engage in workouts three times every day,” he said. He attributes his success to the sincerity of his prayers and obedience to Allah. “Allah will bestow His blessings if you invoke Him with piety and sincerity and adhere to spreading good words among others.”
