Borun and Mamota Devi Yumnam are making waves for themselves in the bodybuilding community.

They are now the first Indian couple to win medals at international bodybuilding championships. Between them, the pair boasts over 28 awards, and have dedicated their entire lives to competitive bodybuilding. According to Metro UK, what makes them special is their partnership. Very few competitors get to take an international bodybuilding journey side by side with their significant other.

Borun, is age 39 and has been competing since he was 16. He told Barcroft TV:

“I about 16 when I competed for the first time and became a champion in the Sub-Junior category for Mr. Manipur. That’s how my journey started. I kept going till 2016 I won 16-17 of Nationals and three times Mr. Asia.” Borun trains five hours a day six days a week.

His wife Mamota is a later inductee to the sport. She was drawn into the gym after having her third child, and quickly fell in love. The two actually met at a modelling show in Manipur. Mamota was attending as a model and Borun as a guest poser.

Mamota said that bodybuilding gave her an avenue to pursue lifelong ambition. “From a very young age, I would always want to do things that nobody had ever done,” she says. “But I had never thought of bodybuilding, especially because in India, it is not meant for women.”

Obviously, three young children take time and energy from any parent, but Mamota said that watching her husband train and preparing his meals gave her a fantastic knowledge base to start from.

“In the beginning I would think how would I get on the stage wearing these costumes in front of so many people! And because I had to train and travel for the competitions, I felt bad because I couldn’t spend my whole day with the children anymore.

“Because I had taken care of Borun’s diet, I also knew what diets to follow. And then I participated in the National Championship in 2012.”

Borun is extremely proud of his wife. She has already exceeded him in some areas.

“Mamota did this all by the power of her own will. Her first appearance, she came third place, bronze medal. She’s won around six medals more than me at international level. We are the only Indian couple to have won awards in the International arena.”

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