Hardeep aims for Asian Title

Walia spotted this wrestler-turned-bodybuilder in 1998 during the Mr North India contest, where Hardeep got fourth position. Hardeep realised his true potential after coming under Walia’s tutelage. The coach describes Hardeep as "a bundle of talent. He has the caliber to win laurels at international level also." Talent, coupled with expensive diet (Rs 8000 per month or more!) gave Hardeep astounding results. He first hit the headlines early this year when he bagged the Mr Junior Roopnagar title.

This was followed by Mr Panjab University and Mr Chandigarh titles in junior and senior categories. The national level title has boosted Hardeep’s morale and he is now eyeing the top slot at the forthcoming Asian Bodybuilding meet. It will be a tough task for both Hardeep and his coach. Hardeep needs to improve on posing, which is a must for an outstanding bodybuilder. "We may bring in an instructor in classical dance to refine his stance," Walia says. For the Asian meet coming up this autumn, a preparation schedule has already been chalked out: two months of mild training from April to May, followed by three months of strenuous exercise.

The final countdown will for the big meet begins in the first week of September. The laterals, deltoids and biceps will be the main focus of training in the coming months. Preparing for a big competition is tough, both mentally and physically. Two weeks before the meet, the bodybuilder has to forego carbohydrates and stick to a bland diet of skimmed milk, fruit juice and salad. "High protein diet is essential to give shape to the body," informs Walia. Other than pumping iron, the young bodybuilder is fond of action-packed movies and music, which he says helps tune his mind. "I listen to soft music after a hard day’s training; it soothes my nerves," he says.

With bulging biceps and trim waist, Hardeep has lot of fans in the city — including some appreciative girls "but I keep them miles away!" blushes the clean-hearted Hardeep.