HYDERABAD: Body builder Laxman Reddy, who won the Mr World 2010 title recently came back to a rousing reception in the city.
He gave tough competition to American body builders to win the title, despite last minute changes in rules during the competition held in Las Vegas, USA.
“Generally there are three levels depending on the range of the body builder’s weight. But contrary to general convention, organisers of Mr World 2010 changed rules by organising a single competition, irrespective of weight. Initially, I was worried since the weight of American and other western body builders was more than 20 kg, when compared to me. But once the competition was throw open, I gave them a tough fight and finally won defeating 200 other participants,’’ Laxman Reddy said.
The Mr World said he might plunge into politics as he has close relations with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief. Reddy who began his body building career six years ago said his immediate goal was to prepare for the Mr Universe competition.
“The competition is scheduled to be held in June 2011. But I may not take part in that since my body requires sufficient rest to give my best shot. So I will take part in the subsequent competition,’’ the reigning champ said.
Before taking up body building as a serious career, Laxman Reddy was a volleyball player. Recently in search of sponsors, Reddy is now flooded with proposals for modelling assignments from the US.
“But I have decided not to do modelling since it is not possible to spend my time in the US. Instead I will concentrate on my fitness,’’ the new Mr World said.
He expressed anguish that no one came forward to sponsor body builders in this county who were interested in participating in international competitions unlike in western countries.
But it was TRS president K Chandrasekhara Rao and his daughter Kavitha who gave financial support to participate in the Mr World 2010. He requested the government to encourage body builders by giving due recognition.
Reddy also said he had keen interest in training youngsters interested in body building.
He specially thanked his coach Kunal Gir for training him to win the title.
-- expresshyd@expressbuzz.com
