Wheelchair Bodybuilder Overcomes Cancer To Achieve His Sporting Dreams

The 28-year-old, who uses a wheelchair, has won over 40 bodybuilding titles and is even the model for a range of muscular mini action figures.

Anand fell in love with bodybuilding at the age of 13 when he started working out in the local gym - while most of his friends were busy playing football or cricket on the street.

He scooped his first title - 'Mr Gold' - the same year, but his dreams of turning professional received a massive blow when he was diagnosed with cancer in his lower spinal cord aged 15.

The muscle man underwent a string of operations which left him paralysed and, for the next three years, he could barely leave his bed.

He said: “Those three years were like hell for me. I could not look forward to anything in my life."

Unable to attend school, Anand took up bodybuilding again - this time with greater zeal - and started entering contests despite his disability.

His father, Prince Arnold, said: "One day, he said to me 'Give me 150 rupees, I need the entry fee for a bodybuilding competition'.

"I told him that the lower portion of his body was not good. But he insisted that the competition was only for upper body.

"I encouraged him and he won the the competition.”

Anand has faced challenges on his path to bodybuilding glory - including being deserted by his girlfriend - but has overcome them with the help of his sisters Ireen, 35, Ritu, 34, and Angel 12.

Ritu said: “She was very pretty, a South Indian. But she left him and moved on saying that he would not be able to do anything, so she wouldn't live with him.

"I can never forget that episode. There was a time when the entire family was in depression. But we kept the spirit alive so that Anand didn’t lose hope.”

Anand is now the first paid Indian sports model for Muscle Mania and a brand ambassador for a nutrition supplement company - as well as a model for a range of popular action toys.

He works out for three hours every single day and eats a carbohydrate and protein-heavy diet including chicken, mutton, banana and rice.

And his success has helped to inspire other youngsters to start getting fit.

Gym owner Karan Banker said: “When young boys see him they get motivated to join the gym. His fans include people from India and abroad. People are inspired by him."

Anand's siblings are fiercely proud of his achievements and his sister Irene left her job so that she can help him out on a day-to-day basis.

"I used to take him for physiotherapy sessions on my two-wheeler. I just wanted all our days to be happy and fruitful," said Ireen, 35.

"Bodybuilding was his only passion and I am glad that we fought the tough times together. Whenever Anand goes, we already know he will rank first in the competition.

"We tell him already that you will win. We know Anand is the best."

Anand says his motto in life is ‘make your weakness your strength’.

But for Anand's ageing father, seeing his son get married is his biggest desire.

"He should get married to a girl of his own choice. The girl whom he loves and the girl who will be really sincere to him," he said.

Having conquered the bodybuilding world, Anand is now dreaming of turning his inspirational story into a feature film.

"My biggest dream is to make a movie on my life. I believe it will inspire people to reach new heights. It will give people like me a new ray of hope," he added.