We have all heard the famous Mark Twain quote – "it is not about the size of the dog in a fight, but about the size of the fight in the dog." Few embodied that spirit better than Manohar Aich - the 2nd Indian to win the Mr. Universe title.
Most celebrated bodybuilder
Aich was only four feet and eleven inches tall. But in spirit and stature, he was far bigger. His height didn't stop him from becoming India's most celebrated bodybuilder.
The Mr. Universe title
In 1952, Aich made history by winning the Mr. Universe title at the NABBA Universe Championships. When he returned to India post it, he received a hero's welcome gaining appreciation from even the Prime Minister and the President.
The beginning
Aich's journey in bodybuilding began in the early-1940s, when India was still under British rule. He joined the Royal Indian Air Force where an officer named Reub Martin introduced him to weight training.
The expulsion
However, Aich was soon expelled from the Air Force. Legend goes that he was riled up by some racist comments a British Officer made about India and responded by slapping him.
A blessing in disguise
Aich was not only ousted from the Force but was also court-martialed and subsequently jailed. But being in prison turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him.
"In jail, I used to practice on my own, without any equipment, sometimes for 12 hours a day," Aich would later recall. His dedication eventually melted the hearts of his captors and earned him a special diet.
Aich walked out of prison in 1947, when India gained her independence. He went on to win three Asian Championship gold medals and earned the sobriquet "Pocket Hercules" - a nod to his short height and incredible strength.
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