Born in the Balikere Village, Kundapura Taluq of Udupi District, Vishwanatha Bhaskar Ganiga has indeed come a brilliantly long way and has established a wonderful foothold in the Power-Lifting sector. His hard work and dedication are indeed commendable and his principle mindedness is what sets him apart wonderfully!
We were lucky enough to have a sit-down with this amazingly humble personality and grill him a little about what it is that has enabled him to achieve what he has, till now.
- When did you start your fitness journey?
I got into fitness when I was a 14 year old boy. The main reason for that was, I would say because I just wanted to be strong, fit and healthy from there my journey started. Earlier I used to work in the farm for my school and college fees, and I am quite proud to say that I was a self-made man since childhood. I loved to work hard and this made me respect myself even more. Ever since that time, I tried to do everything on my own and in this race, I just wanted to be strong. As I had faced a lot of bullying many times, I knew that I needed to be strong and stand up for myself to be my own protector.
- What made you start running/lifting/being an athlete?
I really didn’t have any idea of becoming an athlete or a powerlifter, As I already said, I just wanted to protect myself and become stronger and that thought made me work hard and get fitter day after day. However, when I joined college I got the opportunity to join the gym and that was where I saw a guy lifting 150kg of weight which was too much for a college student. I was absolutely amazed at how strong this guy was and then I thought, why can’t I try it?? and if I did, how much will I be able to lift? That was the question that made me try. One of my seniors did warn me not to lift too much as it may break my back. You see, it is actually quite true, because if I lifted weights in a wrong way it could really break my back. I understood the message, but I still eneded up lifting 130kg in the very first go and felt so happy. That was the moment I realized that I am strong enough and I can build my strength more by lifting weights and my lifting journey started from there.
- Who is your inspiration ?
In the beginning, I didn’t have a goal in my life but once I started lifting it was a different story altogether. After becoming an international powerlifter one day I was reading Sylvester Stallone’s life history. A man who was called Rocky Balboa, he inspired me in my life so much, I use to see his rocky series before going to every championship. You see, that was the only movie which showed the ups and downs of a sportsman’s life. The movie also had a lesson which conveyed that when you win you will have more responsibilities and that you needed to work harded rather than have an attitude about it. Be humble, work hard and you will remain a CHAMPION.
- How much time do you spend in the gym?
Usually, I spend 2.30 hours in the gym daily but during the championship time, it goes up to 3 to 4 hours.
- What is your goal ? Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?
I want only one thing in my life and that is to see India’s name in the Powerlifting International Record book. But other than this, I also want to prove that Indians are hardworkers and are capable of doing brilliant things. I would also want to see myself as a mentor for the new upcoming sports persons.
- What would you like to say about – drug free India ?
This is a very important thing that every sports person should understand “THERE IS NO SHORTCUT FOR SUCCESS” and that slow and steady wins the race. There are people who call themselves coaches and give lots of things like performance enhancing drugs and all, but these are something that will kill your body slowly. Everyone has a natural process and drugs will spoil the natural order of things and it will only cause problems for future life. We have to indulge in sports for a better lifestyle. So many sports people asked me that what I do for strength and what I take for all for them, and I would only say only one thing is “I always believe in hardwork and clean diet, consistency is the key for Success, I never tried shortcut because I know shortcut is only for a short time if you go on the right path, the result will be sustained for long”. I wish to see DRUG FREE INDIA and a HAPPY & STRONG INDIA.
- How big a role does diet play in your life ?
Diet will plays a really big role in my fitness life. I would say first, no junk foods and that I love to eat healthy homemade foods. I also prefer food moreover supplements. Better to eat a more good source of protein foods and it should be a combination of proteins, carbs , minerals and fibers.
- What sort of diet do you follow ?
It is a normal diet where in the morning I have a kind of milk shake with fruits and including all dry fruits and in the afternoon there will be something that has less carbs and some chicken. Between lunch and dinner, I have eggs and for dinner I usually have steamed chicken and some fiber foods.
- Your best motivational quote for people ?
Stay humble, work hard and never give up. Consistency is the key to success and never try for shortcuts because it does not sustain for long.
- Do you mind sharing some tips with our readers who want to start something related to your interest.
It applies to everyone, anyone who has a special ability in their life should not feel sad about that they are not capable of doing anything, and that they should try something that is of their interest. Making money in life is not the only thing that matters, being happy in life that’s all that matters, so do what makes you happy and achieve and stay happy and help others to reach their goals rather than pulling anyone’s leg.
- How do you keep yourself motivated daily ?
I have a bad past which pushes me every day to motivate myself, I am a person who is eager to achieve my dream and I want to do something for my nation more than for myself.
- Do you prefer morning workout ? Or evening workout? Any tips for the same ?
I love to workout in the evening, its all based on what the convenient time for you is to do the daily workout so that you don’t miss the workout by giving any reason. You see, else it’s like you are only cheating your life.
