Hyderabad Draws 400 Natural Bodybuilders

Hyderabad: Over 400 athletes from India and abroad participated in Deccan Uprising 2025, making it the biggest event of the year for ICN (iCompete Natural) among 70 contests held globally.

The two-day event, hosted at the SR Classic Convention Centre, pushed natural bodybuilding into the spotlight by even putting children on stage — a move organisers said was a response to rising obesity and screen addiction among youth.

Athletes were tested through lie-detectors and WADA-compliant urine analysis, with winners crowned across categories including Men’s Physique, Ms Bikini, Fitfashion, and Transformation. “Everything here is drug-free. No shortcuts. No steroids. We send samples to the US for verification,” said ICN India head Jay Acharya.

International judge Joey Cantlin said the idea was to build a generation that values fitness without artificial enhancement. Tollywood actor Allu Sirish, known for supporting clean sport, attended the event. Organisers added that Hyderabad’s strong showing would lead to entries in global contests in Dubai, Bali, and Europe.