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| About The Founders: |  |
'When the going gets tough, the tough get going' might sound like a cliché, but one can not think of a better expression to tell the courageous tale of two men who have defied 'the system', and come out winners. They founded their own gym and fitness center, after running from pillar to post in search of a livelihood. Today, in less than a year, it has already seen its membership base rise to three figures and making a name in Bangalore.
B K Prakash:
In 1993, as a lean, thin first year B.Com student of APS College, Prakash
started a journey that was to change his life forever. For him, it was
the first step of the trip he had been waiting to make for a long time.
When he was sweating it out in the Amateur Barbell Gym, Chamrajpet, under
the guidance of Master Subramanyam, little did he realize that one-day
he would be running his own gym. But, such are the quirks of life, he went
on to co-find 'The Health Point'.
He started competing in 1994, and has been winning one or the other award since. One look at his list of achievements is enough to convince even the most vociferous critic that here is a man who will go places in his chosen field. But life was not always this rosy for Prakash. He had to go through many hardships before he got where he is today. After graduation, he knocked on innumerable doors in search of a job, but the doors refused to open - "We have do not have a sports quota anymore" being the standard refrain. Bodybuilding is not yet a popular support in India, and receives very little, if any, official support. He had to struggle to get funds to participate even in the Mr. India contest - India's premier event. He had to represent Karnataka at his own cost!
B G Santosh:
Santosh
comes from a family of sportspersons, notably his father B Gopala Krishna
- former National Weightlifter and Body Builder. His father is also one
of his greatest influences and inspirations. His brother is also a National
Champion in Weight Lifting and is training to participate in Olympic soon.When
Santosh first walked into a gym during Ist april 1992,as a thin and weak
teenager, little did he realize, like Prakash, that one day he would be
a champion weightlifter and bodybuilder, and instructing budding talent
in his own gym! Also like Prakash, he went to the ABC Gym, Chamrajpet,
where he first met Prakash. For both of them, what started out as a mere
hobby, turned out to be the aim of their lives and dream came true..
Santosh went on to win numerous medals in District, State, Open State and Nationals for three years - 1996 to 1998. Later, he too tried to get a job, but received the same discouragement as Prakash did. But, both of them finally managed to convince some people to put up some initial capital. The rest came from part-time jobs, odd jobs, and a few modeling assignments.
So, they overcame the odds and proved that they had what it takes to beat Fate at its own game. But, what about you?