How Difficult Is It To Switch To Powerlifting From Bodybuilding? Powerlifter Mukesh Gahlot Explains

Time flies and you won't even know it if you are busy chasing your dreams. Setting new goals is the key to live a successful life feels four-time Mr. India in bodybuilding and Mr. Olympia in Pro-Powerlifting Mukesh Singh Gahlot. In an exclusive interview with Republic World veteran Bodybuilder and Mr. Olympia Powerlifter Mukesh Gahlot, shed light on his journey, relationship with his coach, and how he sees himself after accomplishing the pinnacle of the sport.

Mr. Olympia Mukesh Gahlot's Honest Take On Bodybuilding and Powerlifting

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Q. When did you decide to pursue Bodybuilding professionally

A. In my early days, I had never thought of being a professional Bodybuilder. I was an active kid and I used to play sports. I have always participated in sporting competitions, throughout my school and college days. I took up weight training and Bodybuilding seriously in 1996 after seeing the Mr. Delhi competition. I was mesmerized by Mr. Dinesh Aswal (Commonwealth champion and Mr. India) who won gold in 65 kg category and Prem Bahadur Johnny who was the overall champion. After looking at them, I wanted to find out where are they being trained and who is the right coach. Later I figured out that they are being trained by Bhupender Dhawan. I met Bhupender Dhawan for the first time in 1997.

Q. You have been associated with Bhupender Dhawan for the past 27 years, how has this association been?

A. His biggest quality according to me is his honesty toward his students and the way he connects them. He always wants to give them the best. The main reason behind this relationship has been trust. He has never done bodybuilding on a competitive level, but his sports psychology is incredible. He knows how to handle athletes. Ever since my first meeting with him, I knew that I was in the right place.

Q.  How difficult it was for you to switch to powerlifting after accomplishing the pinnacle of Bodybuilding?

A. It was not easy at all. When you are indulged in a sporting discipline for 15-16 years then taking a new sport at the peak of career is not pleasant at all. But I never questioned my coach. Though my bodybuilding career was going smoothly, there were some federation issue. My coach thought that it would not be fruitful to invest energy, time, money, and emotion in bodybuilding anymore and hence I switched to powerlifting in 2012.

Q. What are your plans for 2025?

A. At this stage of my life where I have achieved a lot in Bodybuilding and Powerlifting, my main focus is on my students. As a professional coach I want to produce more pro athletes in bodybuilding and powerlifting. Currently, many of my students have won medals on a national level in powerlifting and pro-cards in bodybuilding. My expectations are very high from some of my students from both the sport. I believe that our athletes have the full potential to get to the Olympia stage.

Q. Do you have any regrets even after achieving so much?

A. I wish I could have taken my Bodybuilding career at the IFBB level.

Q. Now at this stage of life, How do you see yourself at 54?

A. I never feel that I'm 54 (smiling). I always think that I am still starting my journey. If you stick to a proper routine, workout, diet, or sleeping pattern you won't get the side effects of aging.