Mumbai, 23 December 2024: Mumbai witnessed the grand culmination of Asia’s largest health and fitness extravaganza, the International Health, Sports, and Fitness Festival (IHFF), held from December 20-22. A huge draw at the event were marquee events and colossal bodybuilding championships – the Steadfast Nutrition Pro Show, Asia’s biggest bodybuilding event and the Amateur Olympia, India’s biggest bodybuilding tournament for amateur athletes, both sponsored by India’s leading sports and wellness nutrition brand Steadfast Nutrition. This year’s edition broke records drawing a massive crowd of over 4000 athletes, including 150 international competitors, 80,000 spectators, and industry leaders. With over 200 exhibitors, it was also the world’s largest health, sports, and fitness expo. For the past five years, Steadfast Nutrition has been a pivotal partner of the IHFF, paving the way for Indian bodybuilding athletes to compete on the biggest world stage – athletes who win the pro show get a direct ticket to the world’s most prestigious bodybuilding competition, the Mr Olympia USA.
Speaking about the success of the event and why Steadfast has thrown its weight behind these championships and the IHFF year after year, Steadfast Nutrition founder Mr Aman Puri said, “India is a powerhouse of sporting talent. Through our consistent support of the IHFF and these championships, we aim to create a clear pathway for Indian athletes to succeed globally and elevate Indian bodybuilding to global standards. As the first and only brand in the country to introduce a pro show in 2022, Steadfast has paved the way for Indian athletes to compete in the world’s most coveted bodybuilding championship – the Mr Olympia USA, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to win there and earn substantial prize money, international recognition, and lucrative sponsorships. Legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Phil Health, and Dexter Jackson cemented their legendary status on that very stage. Currently, only cricket, football, and hockey dominate the discourse around sports. We’re determined to give an opportunity to more sports like bodybuilding to thrive in the country, which aligns with our vision of making India the world’s sports capital by 2040.
“The Amateur Olympia is India’s biggest bodybuilding event for amateur athletes and brings together fitness enthusiasts and amateurs, giving them global exposure. It gives a life-altering chance to amateurs to earn pro cards which propel them into the professional circuit with its exciting opportunities for sponsorships, prize money, and a flourishing career,” Aman Puri added.
The Steadfast Nutrition Pro Show continued to shine as Asia’s premier bodybuilding championship, providing a direct pathway to the prestigious Mr Olympia. Athletes competed in 4 categories: Men’s Physique, Men’s Classic Physique, Women’s 212 Bodybuilding with 4 winners earning a shot at global fame. Meanwhile, the Amateur Olympia awarded 25 IFBB pro cards, transforming the careers of amateur athletes by propelling them into the professional bodybuilding circuit. Both championships were a spectacular showcase of athleticism, poise, and passion, set off to stunning light and sound effects.
Both the Steadfast Nutrition Pro Show and the Amateur Olympia are organised under the aegis of the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) – the governing body for bodybuilding championships the world over.
The IHFF was a focal point for fitness expertise, networking, and knowledge exchange, making it an essential event for those engaged in the fitness and nutraceutical industry.
Apart from the Pro Show and the Amateur Olympia, this year’s IHFF also witnessed several other competitions, including powerlifting, pro panja, and zumba.
Steadfast Nutrition has empowered countless athletes to medal-winning performances internationally and at the national level in championships such as the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. The brand has carved a niche because of its organ-friendly, safe, and effective formulations.