THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Malayali has proved that bodybuilding is not about taking steroids to pump up muscles. There is a world bodybuilding contest for those who have never used steroids or drugs deemed harmful by the World Health Organization. 32-year-old Alexander Mohan from Kollam has become the champion in this.

The World Natural Bodybuilding Championship was held in Bulgaria. Alexander, who won the Men's Physique category, also received the Pro Card which is the organization's recognition.

Participating in the championship will include a polygraph test to find out if any steroids have ever been used. He competed in Dubai last year but finished sixth.

Alexander, who has made bodybuilding a passion since his college days, competed for Mr. Kollam but did not win the prize. Alexander vowed not to use anything harmful to his health, even though many people suggested shortcuts.

Alexander, who has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in petrochemical engineering, was in Canada for seven years. Now he is an engineer in Dubai. His father is businessman Mohan Alexander. Mother Dr Annamma is the head of the gynaecology department at NS Hospital, Kollam. Sister Nikki Annu Alexander is a psychologist at the same hospital.

If you lie, you will be caught on the polygraph

• Contestants will be subjected to a polygraph test three days before the competition, failing which they will be banned from the competition
• Blood and urine samples of those who pass the test will be tested. Contestants can compete only if there is no steroid content

Diet plan

Morning: Oatmeal, fruit and blueberries

Lunch: Rice and chicken or sweet potato and chicken

Night: Two eggs, broccoli and spinach

Workout

Alexander spends an hour and a half in the gym every morning

Youngsters will turn away from dangerous practices if they realize that it is possible to have a beautiful body without the use of steroids. My goal is to spread awareness about natural bodybuilding

- Alexander