Manohar Aich, India's first Mr Universe, dies - Aich, who earned the moniker P- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

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Aich, who earned the moniker Pocket Hercules for rippling muscles packed into an astonishingly tiny 4-feet, 11-inch frame, had served in the Royal Air Force and began his weight training in 1942, coincidentally the year when Ali was born. A decade later in 1952, Aich fought off tremendous odds including bodybuilders who literally towered over him to lift the Mr Universe crown under the amateur category. Five years later, an unknown Austrian called Arnold Schwarzenegger would win the same title.

In This Pic : Manohar Aich

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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It was Reub Martin, a British officer in RAF who introduced Aich to weight training when he was 30. Pumping iron with determination and without the supplements and steroids that bodybuilders rampantly use today, Aich soon sported a physique that others in the RAF were envious of. But it was in jail where he had been incarcerated for protesting against British oppression of Indians, that he seriously began weight training.

In This Pic : Manohar Aich

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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"The stint in prison helped me prepare for the world championship. There were no equipment but I practised free hand 12 hours a day," he recounted during a visit to the TOI office a couple of years ago.

In This Pic : Manohar Aich

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

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The Universe Championships organized by the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) was first held in 1948. It is little-known how Aich found himself participating in the contest within a few years of its inception. But he took everyone, including perhaps himself, by surprise when he won the amateur prize in 1952.

In This Pic : Manohar Aich

Pic Courtesy : BCCL - Non Copyright

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For Aich, the results were spectacular but the philosophy was simple: It was always mind over body. A simple diet complemented an uncomplicated life. Despite his struggles to make ends meet as a bodybuilder, Aich would say it was his ability to take hurdles in the stride that helped him to remain tension free.

In This Pic : Manohar Aich

Pic Courtesy : BCCL