Arambam Boby receives warm felicitation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 18 2024: State's legendary bodybuilder and 8-time Mr World title holder Arambam Boby was accorded a warm felicitation by the All Manipur Body Builders Association on becoming first athlete to receive "Presidential Gold Order" from World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) recently.

The felicitation programme was held at the conference hall of Manipur Olympic Association at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

Arambam Boby receives warm felicitation

Notably, Arambam Boby who amassed more than 30 National and international titles in his career spanning almost three decades, was honoured with the "Presidential Gold Order" by the WBPF president on August 9 at Bantam, Indonesia during the 56th Mr Asia Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Competition.

The order, first of its kind, was awarded to Boby in recognition of his dedication, perseverance and contributions to bodybuilding.

Boby, a sports enthusiast from his childhood days, started his career as a gymnast and before trying his hand in athletics and clinched the State title in the senior men's 200 m race.

He joined Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) as a constable in 1993 and pursued his athletic activities before shifting his trade and took up bodybuilding in 1995 under renowned bodybuilding coach Oja Yaiskul of Kyamgei.

It did not take long for Boby to shine as he clinched Junior Mr Manipur title the same year.

Soon he became a bodybuilding sensation and joined South East Railways in 1997.He got transferred to North East Frontier Railways in 2009 and lost various service benefits he enjoyed earlier.

But, it did not dented his spirit and worked his way to dominate the National, sub-continental and continental events and earned his first Mr World title in 2010 .

He collected as many as 4 titles and one overall title in Asian bodybuilding competitions and amassed a record 8 Mr World titles before retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2019 .

He also retired from his Railways job in 2021 and has started a gym of his own with an objective of grooming and producing world class bodybuilders from the State.

The felicitation programme was attended by Irom Umakanta, managing director, COMET; N Ratan, president, All Manipur Body Builders Association as the chief guest and function presidents besides special invitees- Kamei Angam Romanus, IGP, Manipur; Dr S Ibomcha, Commandant, 1st MR .