New Delhi, April 15 2010: Khundrakpam Pradipkumar,a body builder living with HIV/AIDS since the last one decade was accorded a hero's welcome in Manipur when he returned home with a silver medal on Thursday.

The beaming body builder thanked everyone for the encouragement soon after his arrival at Tulihal airport.

Pradipkumar,39,the brand Ambassador of Manipur State AIDS Control Society won a silver medal (60 kg category) in the recently concluded 50th Senior National Bodybuilding Championship in Goa.

He was among Manager RK Bhubonsana and Coach E Inao led 9 member Manipur team.

"In fact it's a challenge for me to take part in the national level competition", Pradipkumar who has the muscle to fight this affliction said.

"I have been appealing(to other people living with HIV/AIDS) to come out and join us in fighting the menace instead of hiding".

Stigma and discrimination are still a big issue in the state which has as many as 30,000 HIV/AIDS cases.

Family members, well wishers and local gymnasium members welcomed him at the airport while Cachar Road Athletic Union hosted a reception at Tera Khamnam Leirak premises in Imphal west district.

Pradipkumar who is aiming to participate in the forthcoming Mr Asia contest has been spending not less than Rs 1000 daily for his dietary supplements which includes 5 litres of milk and 20 eggs besides other food supplements as he is under medication.

Son of a retired government employee Kalachand and Memma,a former teacher,Pradip had won Mr Manipur title in the 60-kg category in December 2007 followed by various positions in national competitions including the All India Inter State Body Building Championship at Aurangabad in Maharashtra and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Comment