Manohar Aich Biography 
Manohar Aich was independent India’s second Mr. Universe, the first person to win the title was Monotosh Roy in 1951. His contribution to India as a bodybuilder is unchallenged. A three-time Asian Games gold medalist in body building, he was the second person from India to win the much coveted title of Mr. Universe. He was only 4 feet 11 inches height, for the same reason he was nicknamed as ‘Pocket Hercules’ during his glorious era of 1950s. He was also nicknamed "Bahubali". Manohar Aich passed away in Bengal on 5th June 2016 aged 104. In 1952 NABBA Universe Championships, he became the second Indian, and the first Indian in the independent India to claim the title of Mr. Universe.
Manohar was born in the year 1912, in a small village called Dhamti. This village now belongs to Bangladesh. He began his bodybuilding career at a time when gyms and fitness centers were not easily available in India. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 at the age of 30, and he began his pursuit in bodybuilding only after that. He was introduced to weight training by Reub Martin, a British officer. Once he was jailed for slapping a senior British officer and it was during his stay in jail when he seriously thought to pursue a career in this field. He spent hours in physical exercises and seeing his dedication jail officials arranged special food for him. Through his hard work and dedication, Monachar rose to glory as a body builder in the 1950s.
Aich won the Mr. Hercules title in 1950 at the age of 36, just beginning a glorious era in the field of Indian bodybuilding sport. He participated in 1951 Mr. Universe contest and reached the second position. The following year he won the title. In 1955 he stood third in the Mr. Universe contest and in 1960 stood at position fourth at the age of 46. A phenomenon in the field of body building, he has inspired many youngsters to come to this field.
Since 1960 he has participated in many body building shows and displayed his talents before the audience for the last time in 2003 at the age of 89. In 1991 he unsuccessfully contested in the Lok Sabha elections as a BJP candidate. His sons run a gym and a fitness centre, and Aich used to assist them till his death.
Published: N/A
Updated: October 08, 2018
