LUCKNOW: When he is not honing tactical manoeuvrers or testing deadly fire power of a Russian beast tank, one is likely to find Major Savio Henrique alias ‘Hercules’ pushing himself in rigorous training.
He forges his body for Goliathesque muscularity and symmetry, which judges consider in bodybuilding competitions.
A resident of Indiranagar, the 36-year-old officer was hailed by his army colleagues after he stood fourth in the 70kg senior open category of ‘world bodybuilding and physique sports championship’ held on October 4 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
An alumnus of Lucknow Christian College, Henrique, a BCom graduate, said, “I was a thin and lean boy prior to high school, but today I am preparing for Mr Asia title and amateur Olympia International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness championship. My objective is to create awareness about healthy body among youths, who are blindly pushing themselves to have six- and eight-pack abs to follow actors and models.”
“Bodybuilding is hard and demands utmost dedication, including years of training. Short-cut alternatives such as taking steroids without medical guidance may harm the body,” said Henrique, who was nicknamed ‘Hercules’ by his batchmates during training at Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai.
Henrique was inspired by his schoolmate Siddharth Singh, now a major in army. He began training for bodybuilding after high school near Bhootnath. He was supported by Indian Army in pursuing it after he joined in 2011.
“The army played an immense role in helping me achieve new heights in bodybuilding. Twice I was adjudged third for best physique and obtained fourth position in 2020 South Asia championship of Indian Body Builders Federation. My wife Apurva plays a vital role in maintaining my physique. She keeps a tab on my diet, exercise, sleep and other things. She motivates me ahead of championships,” said the former squadron second-in-command of demo squad in Armoured Corps School and Centre, Ahmednagar.
