The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are set to witness one of their most anticipated fitness events this Sunday as the stage prepares to welcome top athletes from the islands and mainland India for a grand showdown in bodybuilding and physique sports. The event, organised under the NPC and IPL banner, is expected to draw a massive crowd of fitness enthusiasts, gym-goers, and aspiring competitors.
Adding star power to the evening, renowned bodybuilders Sangram Chougule and Pankaj will arrive as celebrity judges, bringing national-level credibility to the competition. Their presence has created a palpable buzz among local athletes, many of whom consider the duo’s achievements an inspiration for their own fitness journeys.
According to organisers, contestants from various parts of the islands as well as mainland states have confirmed their participation, making this edition one of the most diverse line-ups the islands have hosted. Participants will compete across multiple categories showcasing strength, physique, discipline, and stage presence all elements that define modern bodybuilding.
What sets this event apart is the direct qualification to Sheru Classic, one of India’s leading national bodybuilding platforms. Winners from Sunday’s competition will secure a coveted entry into Sheru Classic, which itself serves as a stepping stone to the prestigious Grand Olympia stage internationally. For many competitors, this event represents a rare opportunity to transition from regional fame to national and potentially global recognition.
Local gyms and fitness clubs have reported heightened excitement over the last week, with several athletes undergoing intense final-stage conditioning. Many see this event not only as a competition but as a celebration of the rapidly growing fitness culture in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Organisers say the focus this year is on creating a professionally curated experience with high-quality lighting, stage design, and judging parameters aligned with national standards. With star athletes evaluating performances and a pathway to international competition at stake, Sunday’s show promises to be a landmark moment for the islands’ bodybuilding community.
The event will be led by the Organizing Team of NPC Worldwide India – Andaman, with the competition helmed by NPC State Head Sameer Iqbal Bajaj and NPC State Manager Ayaan Iqbal Bajaj, supported by State Chairman Aziz Ur Rahman, State Vice Chairman Dr. G. Selvaraj, and State Secretary Aktar Hussain, ensuring a professionally managed championship. The International Powerlifting League (IPL) will also extend strong support, with Advocate Rakesh Pal Gobind serving as State Chairman, Angshuman Roy as State Vice Chairman, and Hemanth Dhingra as State Secretary, adding further depth to the organisational framework. Enhancing the excitement, the event will feature appearances by bodybuilding icons Pankaj Kapoor (popularly known as Mr. Ludhiana and a close associate of Sheru Classic) and Sangram Chougule, a two-time world champion and one of India’s most celebrated fitness personalities.
As the countdown begins, the island waits in anticipation for an evening of grit, glory, and unmatched athleticism, a celebration of strength that could propel local talent onto some of the biggest stages in the world. #Roadtosheruclassic
