Kochi: Keralite Chitharesh Natesh could now be called India’s own ‘Arnold Schwarzeneger’. Young Arnold was just 23 years old when he won his first Mr Universe title in 1967. Decades later, Chitharesh, a native of Vaduthala in Kerala, created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the prestigious title. It has been a year since Chitharesh, who works in Delhi, came home for a vacation. He has been working really hard since January, training for the World Body Building and Pacific Sports Championship held in South Korea. So, he stopped his trips to his hometown and concentrated more on training.
However, now, the entire village of Vaduthala came to Chitharesh’s house to see their ‘own’ Mr Universe and to convey their wishes. Some are even eager to invite Chitharesh for inaugurations and other programs as well.
Earlier, Chitharesh, who works in Delhi as a fitness trainer, had represented the capital city for many championships. However, this year he represented Kerala for the first time and got selected to the Indian team. Chitharesh is happy and thrilled that he could win the major titles representing his home state.
He first won the Mr World title in the 90 kilogram category. Following this, Chitharesh defeated nine world champions in the 55 – 110 kilograms categories to finally bag the Mr Universe title. It was not a cakewalk for Chitharesh who had struggled a lot in life before becoming the most well-built man in the world. The road from a quaint house with asbestos roof and just two rooms in Vaduthala to the international venue of Mr Universe was full of struggles and hard work.
It was his close friend and trainer MP Sagar who motivated Chitharesh and helped him in his rigorous training sessions. Chitharesh wasn’t ready to back down despite knowing that the financial situation at his house wouldn’t allow him to take up a sports event that was expensive and demanded great physical dedication. He trained hard without even taking a day off, sacrificed his favorite food and stayed away from family functions and other activities to concentrate only on his dream.
Chitharesh had the whole hearted support of his hometown and his close friends as well. They helped him financially when they learned that their champion friend was struggling. Chitharesh says that Hibi Eden MP had personally helped him many a times. Though he was a good hockey player while in college, Chitharesh had found time for body building and grooming as well. Later, he gave up hockey and become a fulltime body builder.
This 33-year-old, who became India’s pride at an international event now requires a government job to support his passion and his family as well. He hopes that the government would act on his request soon and help him secure a job.
Mr Universe has just one advice for all those youngsters who wish to make it big in the body building industry, “You cannot be anything in this field unless you have a good coach to guide you. Finding Sagar as my coach was my biggest advantage. Then you have to work really hard and nurture dedication and passion for it. You too could become a world champion if these three factors are there in your life.”
Grand welcome
Chitharesh, who won this year’s Mr Universe title, was accorded a grand welcome by the body building enthusiasts, in Kochi. Kerala Body Building Association president K Anandan, secretary TV Pauly, district sports council president Srijin, secretary Rakesh, District Body Builders’ Association president Joseph Jerry Lopez and secretary AJ Xavier Joseph received Chitharesh at the venue. He unveiled the logo of Mister Kerala and Miss Kerala competitions which would be held on 24th February and 1st March respectively, next year.
Meanwhile Chitharesh’s coach MP Sagar revealed the special diet followed by the champion to stay fit and be in great shape, especially during championships and events. This special diet which is low on carbohydrates and high on protein and fat is followed before championships. Lowering the carbohydrate intake just before a championship or event would make the muscles prominent and attractive. It would be complimented with more fat and medium protein intake.
Before working out in the morning Chitharesh would have spinach omelet with cheese powder carbohydrate.
After the work out session, he would drink a protein shake and then follow it with some rice or cornflakes and chicken or eggs.
Salad and chicken would be his lunch.
He consumes extra virgin coconut oil, protein powder and chicken, meat or fish in the evening before work out.
Chitharesh takes approved and healthy supplements to boost his nutrient intake. His dinner would consist of a healthy salad, avocado and fatty meat.
