HYDERABAD: Raju Yadav is a name that most people have not heard. This isn't surprising as sports in India generally boils down to cricket. But Yadav is the second Indian to have won the Mr Universe Musclemania title, but the response to his achievement has been lukewarm.The gold medal winner in the under-60 kg category of the competition held in Miami, USA between June 16 and June 18, Yadav has qualified for the Musclemania Pro to be held in November.But lack of funds stands obstacle between him and his dream."I was lucky to find sponsors to contest for the Mr. Universe title. I can only compete in the Musclemania- Pro this year if I find sponsors," says Yadav, a protege of Telangana Body Builders' Association (TBBA).His appeal for sponsorship stands testimony to the great divide between popular sports and other events where talented sports-persons from India remain out of the international arena due to lack of funding. The Mr. Universe-2011 had previously won the bronze medal at Mr. World Musclemania held in Las Vegas. He had to chip in Rs 1 lakh from personal funds apart from the sponsorship he received to participate in the event.Speaking at a felicitation ceremony arranged by the state wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav lamented the lack of sponsors in sports other than cricket."My diet costs Rs 1800 per day and I also need someone to sponsor my trip. I would like to participate and win in the Musclemania-Pro contest, if I am given a chance." The Musclemania champ's training was overseen by his coach and mentor S Mohan Rao, organizing secretary of the Indian Body Builders Foundation (IBBF) and secretary of TBBA. "He has been my student since 20 years and he can go really forward with a little encouragement and appreciation," says a proud Mohan Rao."I was 75 kilos before the Mr. Universe competition and lost 15 kgs in 10 days to become eligible for the under- 60 category. It would not have been possible without his (Mohan Rao's) guidance.Sadly, he did not get a visa to accompany me and there was also the problem of funding," says Yadav.Those interested in reaching out to Raju Yadav can do so at 9963884858.BJP state president Kishan Reddy and senior BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya were also present at the felicitation programme. Kishan Reddy said that BJP would ask sports-persons and coaches in the city to convene on July 9 in order to highlight the problems faced by them.
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