Achieving success in the world of bodybuilding is a far more arduous journey than it appears! While the mind-blowing physiques showcased on stage may capture attention, the tremendous effort exerted behind the scenes is monumental. These mass monsters stick to a rigorous daily routine delicately balancing family, friendships, and work commitments, smartly managing finances, and ensuring good health. In India, numerous immensely talented bodybuilders have graced the stage, yet their recognition often remains confined with limited success.
Naresh Surya, a former bodybuilder and the visionary behind the Naresh Surya Classic competition, is on a quest to elevate the standards of bodybuilding in India. He aims to introduce a fairer platform for success in the Indian bodybuilding arena. In his pursuit, Naresh Surya brings forth a basket of innovative ideas, poised to transform the landscape of bodybuilding shows in the country. Let’s delve into a magical talk with him and submerge into the wonderful world of bodybuilding.
How did you get started as a bodybuilding show promoter? What inspired you to organize Naresh Surya Classic?
As a former professional bodybuilder, my passion for the sport drove me to compete and win numerous shows. Yet, upon retiring, I realized the lack of recognition for my dedicated efforts – even my hard-earned trophies lost their luster. Fueled by this realization, I embarked on a mission to change the landscape of bodybuilding in India. The inception of Naresh Surya Classic marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Determined to uplift the declining art of bodybuilding, I organized the first competition in a Telangana high school.
My vision was clear: to promote and educate the youth and the wider population about the art of bodybuilding. Today, Naresh Surya Classic stands as a world-class bodybuilding championship, a testament to my dream of raising the sport of bodybuilding in India. Since that memorable moment, there has been no turning back.
Can you describe the process of organizing a bodybuilding show from inception to execution? What are the key challenges you face in organizing such events, and how do you overcome them?
Organizing a bodybuilding show is a complex process that demands meticulous planning and execution. It all starts with a clear vision, followed by budgeting, assembling a dedicated team, and crucial decisions regarding venue and dates, which are important to the event’s success. The final stages involve participant registration and promotional activities. Each step must be approached with precision; even a minor oversight can lead to chaos.
In the initial phase, securing sponsorships posed a significant challenge. However, with relentless dedication and hard work, we overcame this hurdle. Financial constraints are now a thing of the past, allowing us to focus entirely on creating a remarkable experience for both participants and spectators.
Managing participants and venues can be daunting. Yet, thanks to the relentless efforts of my dedicated team, we’ve found effective solutions to these challenges.
Could you explain the judging criteria used in your bodybuilding competitions? What steps do you take to ensure fairness and impartiality in the judging process?
The criteria standards are consistent across different categories, similar to other bodybuilding competitions. In Naresh Surya Classic, the contestants are strictly evaluated on the basis of muscle definition, symmetry, proportion, posing proficiency, and overall stage presence. To maintain fairness, our experienced judges follow strict guidelines and undergo training, ensuring a consistent understanding of judging criteria.
In our competition, transparency is the priority; our contestants receive feedback and have a clear understanding of the evaluation process. To prevent bias, judges are rotated regularly, and scores are often submitted anonymously. We maintain a professional atmosphere to ensure impartial judgment. By upholding these rigorous standards, we create a level playing field where talent and dedication are the primary factors determining success, fostering an environment of integrity and equality for all participants.
What kind of experience do you aim to provide for both participants and the audience attending your shows? How do you handle the backstage logistics and ensure that participants are at their best during the competition?
Naresh Surya Classic was born to offer athletes and the audience an unparalleled international-level experience. Our goal is to elevate the standards of bodybuilding in India, ensuring our athletes receive maximum benefits. We deeply value the immense effort contestants invest to grace our stage; hence, our show guarantees them the respect, sponsorships, and financial rewards they rightfully deserve. Behind the scenes, our dedicated team meticulously handles all logistics, ensuring athletes receive top-notch services, including well-equipped changing areas, nutritious meals, essential tanning facilities, staying and private posing rooms. Our commitment lies in providing an exceptional and supportive platform for every participant, enhancing their overall competition experience.
How have you seen the bodybuilding industry change over the years? What trends have you observed?
Certainly, over the past decade, the sport of bodybuilding has undergone significant transformations. Notably, there’s a rise in youth participation, and even middle-aged individuals are considering bodybuilding professionally. The sport itself has highly evolved with advancements in training techniques, dietary strategies, and overall protocols, surpassing the standards of previous years. Today, bodybuilding has gained international recognition, enabling Indian athletes to showcase their skills on global platforms. However, a concerning trend has emerged: some bodybuilders resort to shortcuts, compromising their health and eventually ending their careers.
Do you have initiatives to promote fitness and bodybuilding awareness among the general public?
Certainly, our promotional strategies blend the best of online and offline avenues. Through Instagram, Facebook, and our official website, we effectively reach our audience. Investing significantly in professionally crafted competition videos enhances our online presence. Moreover, offline promotions are driven by our dedicated show contestants, local gyms, and health platforms. This synergy between online and offline efforts ensures a widespread outreach, engaging both digital audiences and those connected through local fitness networks.
How do you envision the future of Naresh Surya Classic, and what role do you see your organization playing in that future?
The Naresh Surya Classic is poised to become a game-changer in the bodybuilding arena, and I say this with unwavering confidence. The unparalleled experience we offer our athletes is truly life-changing. With the backing of prominent athletes and industry experts, and by the grace of higher forces, I am wholeheartedly convinced that our event will dominate the scene in the years to come. We are currently strategizing to expand our presence across all states in India, and we are gearing up to step onto the international stage very soon. The future holds immense promise, and we are dedicated to making our mark globally in the world of bodybuilding.
