Perseverance is secret of my triumphs, says youth

Medchal: It has been a long journey for Sanjay, 34, from Medchal to Las Vegas. Struck with polio at a tender age of seven and unable to move both legs, life has been a struggle ever since. However, an indomitable spirit for life and the love for body building egged him on to take it seriously.

Defying all odds, Sanjay took to body building. It was not easy, he had to initially walk with help of sticks and gain strength over a period of time. Help from seniors and participation in local competitions helped him gain confidence as well as popularity over the years.

He stood at 5th place in IBBF Mr India (Physically Handicapped category) competitions in 2015. Later, he emerged at the top in the INBA Natural Mr India 2017 competitions held at Manipur. He also won gold medal in the Mr Asia Pacific-2018 (Physically Challenged) held at Seoul, South Korea. He is also INBA Mr India-2019 in PH category and is now going to compete in INBA Olympia, which is going on at Las Vegas, USA.

His perseverance paid off and he even could set up a gym, 'The Life,' in Medchal town, which he has been running for the last nine years. "When I was affected with polio, my family members were in a great shock. I did not lose heart and decided to overcome the situation. I struggled initially to become a body builder. But I never gave up. If you try studiously with a strong determination, hurdles will give you the way. I'm the example for it," he says with confidence.

Sanjay is one of the six participants who would be representing India in INBA competitions at Las Vegas. "I practised three hours daily. Participants from 28 countries are taking part in this event. I'm confident that I will be able to break into the top three," he said.

Like many sports persons, Sanjay needs government help for personalised professional training, and sponsorships for achieving more targets. He is leaving for the US on Monday to add another feather in his cap. "Winning medal for our country is most important for me. That is my main goal," he said.