Mr. Natural Olympia: Polio-affected Pakistani bodybuilder wins Silver in US

LAS VEGAS - A physically-challenged bodybuilder from Pakistan has won the silver medal at the 20th Mr Natural Olympia Body Building Championship held at Las Vegas, earning respect for the country from all over the world.

Indian body builder, Shodan Rai from Bangalore, bagged a bronze medal while Ravi and Desuza from Mangalore were able to finish under top 10 in their respective categories.

Naveed Butt, who already has three gold medals, is the only Pakistani bodybuilder who despite his physical disability due to polio in his childhood, won the title for record third time last year.

Having set Arnold Schwarzenegger's record of seven titles in mind, Naveed is doing his every bit to not only overcome his physical disability but also the financial hardships to only bring more glory for the country.

Overcoming the physical issues with his internal strength has taken him to such a height in the world but as far as the financial side of his life is concerned, it is yet to be covered because he had to take loan to take part in this year’s My Olympia contest.

"I am very happy to win Silver medal, however my wish for winning another Gold couldn’t come true,” Butt told the media in Las Vegas.

The Lahore-based bodybuilder said he had traveled to the United States for the competition on his own with no financial help from any quarter.

"I spent all my money, I sold my motorbike, my bodybuilding club and also borrowed money from my brother, to train, travel and enter into the competition," said Butt, who has pursued bodybuilding as passion of his life.

He has appealed to the government to support his endeavours so that he may win more laurels for Pakistan. "I hope the government will recognise my feats, and support me financially, I also am confident that my victory would inspire other special persons". "My message is that with commitment and courage, and Allah's blessings you can overcome any deficiency or disability and achieve success," he added.

The world's biggest natural bodybuilding competition was held in the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The championship saw participation from 50 countries from across the globe.