Indore: As Arbaz Khan stood on the podium in Ludhiana, crowned Mr India and the Federation Cup's Champion of Champions, few in the audience knew that just days earlier, the 31-year-old from Neemuch had left home in tears, torn between pursuing the biggest dream of his life and staying beside his mother as she underwent surgery.
Representing Madhya Pradesh at National Championship
Representing Madhya Pradesh at the Federation Cup Bodybuilding Championship organized under the aegis of the Indian Bodybuilders Federation in Ludhiana from June 12 to 13, Arbaz outclassed 245 bodybuilders from 27 states to clinch the overall title and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. In doing so, he became the first bodybuilder from Madhya Pradesh to win the Champion of Champions crown at the national event.
Emotional Struggle Before the Competition
The toughest challenge of his journey, however, came before he even stepped onto the stage. On the day he was scheduled to leave for Punjab, his mother was being wheeled into the operation theatre.
“I had almost decided not to go. My mother’s surgery was more important than any title,” Arbaz told TOI. “I left the hospital crying. It was my family and friends who convinced me to board the train. They reminded me that this opportunity had come after years of sacrifice.”
Journey Through Adversity
For Arbaz, success was forged through adversity. Coming from a modest family, he began bodybuilding in 2014, often struggling to meet the costs of training, diet, and competitions. “There were times when I had to borrow money for supplements and competition expenses. I even took up odd jobs to keep my dream alive,” he said. “People see the medal, but they don’t see the sacrifices behind it. There were days when I trained on an empty stomach.”
As victories started coming, support followed. “Some people helped financially, some paid my competition fees, while others supported my diet and supplements,” he recalled.
Dedication and Achievements
Already a five-time Mr MP Champion of Champions, Arbaz took a two-year break from competitions to focus solely on winning Mr India. “For two years, my life revolved around training, diet, and recovery. There were no shortcuts,” he said.
Arbaz’s achievements also include the Western India Champion of Champions title in 2023 and the Mr Neemuch crown in 2018. Madhya Pradesh also impressed at the championship, with Pradeep Thakur winning gold in the 90 kg category and Afraz Khan securing bronze in Men’s Physique.
“When they announced my name, I thought of my mother. Winning Mr India is not just my victory. It belongs to everyone who stood by me when all I had was a dream,” Arbaz said.
