Date:24/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/24/stories/2008112458000300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Youth brings glory to city

Comes third at Musclemania World Bodybuilding contest

- Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Basking in glory: The old city came alive on Sunday with youth taking to streets to celebrate the success of Mir Mohtesham Ali Khan at the Musclemania World Bodybuilding Championships held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

HYDERABAD: City bodybuilder Mir Mohtesham Ali has put Hyderabad on the world map. The bodybuilder on Sunday emerged third in his category in the just concluded Musclemania World Bodybuilding Championships at Las Vegas, Nevada.

The bodybuilder, who called up his parents on Sunday to break the good news after the competition, stood third in the Mr. World Seniors (90 kg.) category in the championships. The top spot in the category went to a bodybuilder from China and the second to a Columbian. About 400 body builders from 26 countries competed in various categories. “It’s stunning news for us. We were expecting him to emerge among top 10 builders but he exceeded everybody’s expectations. Despite so many challenges inherent in the sport, his faith has finally paid off. The entire family has sacrificed a lot for his success,” said a jubilant father Mir Abul Mani Khan.

As news of Mohtesham’s success spread, friends, fans, relatives and well wishers started making a beeline to his home in Hussaini Alam. The nearby street came alive with Mohtesham’s posters, bursting of firecrackers and Old city youngsters coming in hordes to congratulate the family and also to soak in the glory of his achievement. “He is a fighter no matter which sport he played. He is a proud man and dreamt of achieving something big for the country. Last year, he had qualified for Mr. Universe competition but could not visit US because of late arrival of visa,” says Mohtesham’s childhood friend, Subodh Kumar. At 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, Mohtesham called up his mother. “The minute he called, we expected good news. He told us on Saturday that he would call if he did well. But coming third was above everyone’s expectation,” says Mohtesham’s mother Afsar Begum.

Mohtesham captained the Indian team of 14 members in the championships.