Happy, stress-free 100 years
Source: Agencies |
March 19, 2012, Monday
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A FORMER Mr Universe who has just turned 100 said yesterday that happiness and a life without tensions are the key to his longevity.
Manohar Aich, who is 150 centimeters tall, overcame many hurdles, including grinding poverty and a stint in prison, to achieve body building glory.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered yesterday in Kolkata, India to celebrate his birthday the day before.
Rippling his muscles and flashing a toothless grin, Aich says his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times are the secrets to his long life.
"I never allow any sort of tension to grip me. I had to struggle to earn money since my young days, but whatever the situation, I remained happy," Aich said.
Aich was a puny youngster. But he was attracted to exercising and body building when as a schoolboy he saw a group of wrestlers in action.
Aich joined the Royal Air Force under India's British colonial rulers in 1942. Some years later, however, he was thrown into prison when he protested against colonial oppression.
"It was in the jail that I began weight training seriously. This helped me prepare myself for the world championship," said Aich.
"In jail I used to practice on my own, without any equipment, sometimes for 12 hours in a day," he recalled. But the jail authorities were impressed with his perseverance and he was given a special diet to help build his stamina. India's independence in 1947 led to Aich's release from jail.
His 1950 win of a "Mr Hercules" contest spurred him to set his sights on the Mr Universe tournament in London. Aich returned to India after winning the title in 1952.
Six decades later, Aich helps his sons run a gym and spends his days guiding juvenile hopefuls to reach the heights of body building.
Among his regrets, says Aich, is that he never had a chance to meet his more famous counterpart, a fellow Mr Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Manohar Aich, who is 150 centimeters tall, overcame many hurdles, including grinding poverty and a stint in prison, to achieve body building glory.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered yesterday in Kolkata, India to celebrate his birthday the day before.
Rippling his muscles and flashing a toothless grin, Aich says his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times are the secrets to his long life.
"I never allow any sort of tension to grip me. I had to struggle to earn money since my young days, but whatever the situation, I remained happy," Aich said.
Aich was a puny youngster. But he was attracted to exercising and body building when as a schoolboy he saw a group of wrestlers in action.
Aich joined the Royal Air Force under India's British colonial rulers in 1942. Some years later, however, he was thrown into prison when he protested against colonial oppression.
"It was in the jail that I began weight training seriously. This helped me prepare myself for the world championship," said Aich.
"In jail I used to practice on my own, without any equipment, sometimes for 12 hours in a day," he recalled. But the jail authorities were impressed with his perseverance and he was given a special diet to help build his stamina. India's independence in 1947 led to Aich's release from jail.
His 1950 win of a "Mr Hercules" contest spurred him to set his sights on the Mr Universe tournament in London. Aich returned to India after winning the title in 1952.
Six decades later, Aich helps his sons run a gym and spends his days guiding juvenile hopefuls to reach the heights of body building.
Among his regrets, says Aich, is that he never had a chance to meet his more famous counterpart, a fellow Mr Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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