Behera hails from Boudh district and works in Bhubaneswar as fitness trainer at Utkal Fitness Club, Madhusudan Nagar. From his modest income, he pursues his career as a bodybuilder and also supports his six-member family. He suffered a huge setback recently as his younger brother passed away after battling against blood cancer.

Also a National medal-winning powerlifter, Behera came to Bhubaneswar in 2017 to face trial for a police job, which, however, slipped out of his grasp despite him passing all physical tests. Being the eldest among four brothers and under pressure to earn a livelihood, he chose to stay in the Capital city instead of returning home.

Using his experience as a footballer, Behera started working as a gym staff at Utkal Karate School. A premier academy for combat and power sports, Utkal Karate School also helped him pursue a career in competitive powerlifting and bodybuilding.

“I have won my first bodybuilding National medal after long years of hard work and struggle. It has created new hopes and dreams for me. I will work with greater determination in order to win international medals and provide better support to my family,” said an enthusiastic Behera.

For Bindusagar Kalas, the Federation Cup bronze medal is a small tribute to his late father Jayakrushna, who encouraged him to become a bodybuilder. But his journey to the maiden National medal has been tough.

A native of Malipada village in Khordha district, Kalas travels 30 km daily to avail training facility at SR Fitness in Khordha town. He is married and has no job. Family members and relatives support him to sustain his career.

“I have been doing bodybuilding since 2015. This sport is very expensive and being unemployed it was very tough for me to afford it. But for my family and relatives I would not have come this far,” reveals Kalas, who earlier won one silver in the Mr Odisha Bodybuilding Championship 2022.

“I am happy that my struggle has finally borne fruit. I am also convinced that hard work never goes unrewarded. The Federation Cup medal is a token of tribute to my father. I will try my best to win the Mr Asia title for him,” said Kalas.
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TOP: Amit Bhuyan poses with his Federation Cup trophy in Goa on 7 April 2024.
Right Silver medallist Badal Behera poses at the Federation Cup Senior Men Body-building Championship in Goa on 7 April 2024.