Nagaland: Keneilelie Sorünuo, 26, to compete in National Bodybuilding championship

Kohima: After clinching a silver medal in the men’s athletic physique category at the 13th Mr India championship in January, 26-year-old body builder Keneilelie Sorünuo from Nagaland is now set to represent the state at the 11th Federation Cup National Championship 2022 to be held at Gangtok in Sikkim next month.

Sorünuo, who hails from Zhadima Village under Kohima district is currently in the state for a brief visit. He will leave for Delhi this week to undergo rigorous training in preparation for the upcoming championship which is to be organised by the Indian Body Building Federation (IBBF), in association with the Body Builders Association of Sikkim.

On Saturday evening, the advisor for Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) Zale Neikha felicitated the silver medalist of the 13th Mr India championship which is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

During a short felicitation ceremony held at hotel Japfü in Kohima, he appreciated the hardwork of the young lad in achieving the feat.

Citing how Sorünuo’s determination and dedication for bodybuilding has made him achieve a medal at a national championship,  he urged the Naga youth to learn from his experience saying that in order to excel in any filed, an individual should be willing to make certain sacrifices.

Although Nagas are naturally talented in sports, Neikha said that it is the lack of consistency and dedication which hinders the progress of any sportsperson. He added that the government is ever ready to assist real sportspersons who are dedicated in their field.

As he congratulated the young bodybuilder, Neikha hoped that the youth across the state will be inspired and motivated to follow their passion.

Interacting with journalists, Sorünuo shared how it took him two years of preparation to compete at the national level while he has been into fitness for about nine years now.

The fitness coach trained in kickboxing before he began his professional career as a bodybuilder. “Fitness is a necessity. It’s good to see many youth taking interest in it,” he said.

While it is a path less taken, he said that has helped him learn and gain a lot of knowledge. “Only after I chose the profession did I realise that is expensive. We also invest quite a lot of money on food but we don’t get to enjoy it because we are focused on maintaining a routine diet,” he shared.

But there is no turning back for the young bodybuilder. “There is no compromise on training and diet since I am competing at higher level championships. I am hoping to compete at an international championship this year,” he added.

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