Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: She gave Assam its first national medal during the recently concluded Federation Cup National Women Sports Model Physique. Guriya Khatun, a new sensation in women body building in the State, shared her story with The Sentinel during a conversation. Here is the excerpt.
The Sentinel (TS): How did you land in this game?
Guriya: Actually nothing happened as per plan. I gained too much weight, nearly 90 kg, during the early part of my life and one time it was creating a lot of problems. I didn't even walk properly. Although I had undergone treatment for a long period, nothing worked. Finally joined the gym in 2016 and it gradually gave me relief from the weight gain problems. My interest towards Body Building had started to grow after I witnessed Mr. Kamrup BodyBuilding competition (possibly in 2017). That time there was only one women bodybuilder participating in the championship.
(TS): Highlight a little about your career...
Guriya: I took part in Women Body Building (fitness physique) in 2018. I should confess honestly that I didn't have any proper idea on this game that time. However, the next one year I worked very hard and finally bagged my first Ms Assam title in Majuli in 2018. It was followed by two more in the next two editions of the competition. This year I became the first women from Assam to win a title from National championship (A bronze medal in Federation Cup National Women Sports Model Physique).
(TS): Have you gone through any proper training?
Guriya: Not at all during the early part of my career. Actually I didn't know any person who was associated with the game. So I tried my best to learn a few basics and perform in competition on the basis of it. Now I am taking training under the supervision of Sanjiv Das. Bhabajyoti Sir (Goswami) and Assam Body Builders and Fitness Association also provide me help from time to time.
(TS): There are a lot of complaints that women bodybuilders don't get encouragement from their family when they decide to join this sport. Is it true?
Guriya: To some extent yes. I have noticed several good women body builders in our State who have quit the sports because of not getting support from the family. You would be surprised to know that many of our body builders, both men and women, who worked in private firms didn't even get leave to take part in the competitions. If you do so your salary would be deducted. I request all the concerned people to encourage the game as it really plays a crucial role to maintain body fitness.
(TS): Your next target !
Guriya: When I started, my first goal was to become Ms Assam and I reached that goal. Now I want to bring gold medal from the National championship
(TS): Your advice to the newcomers !
Guriya: Give proper attention on three things-Discipline, exercise and diet. Remember you have to totally cut down junk food from your diet.
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