Steel city’s bodybuilder seeks sponsorship to continue sport, win more laurels

Jamshedpur: National champion bodybuilder Prashant Kumar Singh not only carries just the heavy metal plates in the gym but is also loaded with crushing burden of financial struggle. Bodybuilding is more than a test of physical endurance; it’s a relentless war of discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.

But what happens when an athlete’s biggest opponent isn’t his competition but the empty pockets that threaten his dreams? Prashant, a champion forged in sweat and steel, dreams of bringing home the Mr World and Mr Asia titles. Yet, with rising costs and a limited income, his aspirations hang in the balance. Every rupee he earns is devoured by his strict diet and rigorous training, leaving him desperate running door to door for sponsorship and support from government and NGO.

Prashant’s strength was unmatched, and for years, he dominated the Tata Athletic Meet. But his fate took a new direction in 2015 when he watched his elder brother, Pankaj Kumar Singh, train in bodybuilding. Inspired, he embraced the sport with unshakable devotion. His father, Prabhunath Singh, was a wrestler, making strength a legacy in their household. Under his brother’s mentorship, Prashant transformed himself into a force to be reckoned with.

In the last ten years, he has redefined bodybuilding in Jharkhand. He became Overall Mr Jharkhand an astonishing seven times, won Junior Mr India in 2017, and secured multiple national and international titles.

In 2024, he claimed the Iron Man of Jharkhand title, stood runner-up in Senior Mr India, and became East India Overall Champion. But despite standing on the podium with medals around his neck, reality hits hard—his victories come at a cost he can barely afford.

Prashant’s diet is as intense as his workouts — 12 eggs and fruits for breakfast, 300g chicken and rice for lunch, 300g fish and rice for dinner, plus two servings of protein supplements. This diet fuels his body but drains his wallet. The financial pressure is suffocating.

The question is: Will someone recognize and support him before it’s too late? Will Prashant’s dreams remain shackled by financial constraints, or will someone take a step forward to help him conquer the world and bring fame for city, state and the country.