HIV positive Manpuri bodybuilder Khundrakpam Pradipkumar won Bronze at WBPF

Khundrakpam Pradipkumar, the HIV positive body builder from Manipur, won bronze medal in the Mr World Body Building Championships held at Bangkok, Thailand. Pradipkumar won the bronze medal in 65 kg category of the contest which was participated by body builders from 42 different countries of the world. In his category, there were four contestants, besides Pradip kumar, of which two were from Thailand and one each from Brazil and South Korea. Out of them, the two Thais won the gold and silver medals while Pradipkumar outshone the Brazilian and the Korean to grab the bronze.

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In a telephonic interview with Hueiyen Lanpao, Pradip kumar said that he has accomplished a target by winning bronze in the contest. Pradip kumar gave the credit of his win to the love and belief of the people of Manipur. Besides Pradip kumar, there is also Arambam Bobby, who is participated in the Mr World Contest. Bobby who has won the Mr World Title twice will be competing tomorrow evening. In the women’s fitness category, K Robita and Yumnam Ongbi Momota of Manipur are also in the fray and they too would be competing tomorrow evening. According to the latest report prepared by Manipur Aids Control Society (Macs), the state has 42,116 HIV positive people, including 11,778 women and 2773 children. Incidentally, Manipur is one of the six high HIV prevalence states in the country. The All Manipur Gymnasium Association said Pradipkumar won the bronze in the 65-kg category duel held on Friday.

As Pradipkumar faced acute financial constraints to procure his nutritional died ahead of the competition, various social organizations, philanthropists, social welfare minister AK Mirabai Devi and Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom extended monetary assistance to him. "We are so happy with Pradipkumar's glory. He has come out with flying colours. Now, he has sent a message to the whole world that HIV positive people can also lead a healthy and dignified life," said L Deepak, the president of Manipur Network of Positive People. "Since he (Pradipkumar) has become a global icon, the government should at least give him a proper platform or an opportunity to ensure he faces no financial hurdles in this future endeavours," said Deepak, whose organization has over 2000 HIV positive members.

Deepak said they would organize a simple function to felicitate Pradipkumar after his arrival.