Karunnapan Venkatesan, a bodybuilder from Hyderabad, won the bronze medal at the drug-free Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition held in Las Vegas, competing against participants from 16 countries. He was the only Indian to secure a medal at this prestigious event. The 49-year-old athlete also recently won gold in the Classic Bodybuilding category and finished third overall at the Natural Mr. World Championship in Los Angeles. Despite challenges such as jet lag and dietary restrictions as a vegan, Karunnapan’s dedication and resilience helped him achieve these remarkable feats, cementing his status as a leading figure in natural bodybuilding both in India and internationally.
His success brings pride to Hyderabad and shines a spotlight on India’s growing presence in global bodybuilding, especially in drug-free competitions focused on natural talent and discipline.
