-->
 Former Darjeeling bodybuilder from a bygone era no more

Former Darjeeling bodybuilder from a bygone era no more

Giri, a certified international bodybuilding judge, was also Team India coach for the Asian Bodybuilding Championship in Sri Lanka in 1985
Ganesh Bahadur Giri.: File photo
Vivek Chhetri   |   TT  |  Darjeeling   |   22.11.21: Ganesh Bahadur Giri, more popularly known as Ganu Giri, who is credited with pioneering bodybuilding in the region, breathed his last in Darjeeling on Sunday. He was 85.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her condolences over his demise.

Giri, a certified international bodybuilding judge, was also Team India coach for the Asian Bodybuilding Championship in Sri Lanka in 1985.

The bodybuilder from Darjeeling was a globetrotter in his heyday, judging events across the world from France to Iraq, Singapore to Taiwan.

 In Darjeeling, he is credited with organising the first Mr Darjeeling, Mr Himalaya, and Strong Man Body Building contests in 1965.

Giri took to this sport in 1953 and founded a gym at Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan Hall in 1955.

Giri wore many hats. He was also a state-level volleyball referee and was also the president of trade body Pathpasala Sangh for 28 years.

 “Apart from his renown as a bodybuilder, coach and judge, he was an active social worker who used to cremate unclaimed bodies too. He also acted in a few Nepali plays and films,” said a family source.

Giri was awarded the Sikkim Samman Award by the Sikkim government in 2004 and the Banga Ratna by the Bengal government in 2020.

Mamata, who expressed her condolences to the bereaved family, tweeted: “Saddened by the demise of Ganesh Bahadur Giri, renowned International Body Builder and International Judge of World Body Building Federation. He was a Banga Ratna Awardee. Deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and fans.”

 The funeral will take place in Darjeeling at 1 pm on Monday.

(https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/ex-ace-bodybuilder-in-the-hills-no-more/cid/1840008)

Related Posts

0 Response to " Former Darjeeling bodybuilder from a bygone era no more"

Post a Comment

Disclaimer Note:
The views expressed in the articles published here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or perspective of Kalimpong News or KalimNews. Kalimpong News and KalimNews disclaim all liability for the published or posted articles, news, and information and assume no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the content.
Kalimpong News is a non-profit online news platform managed by KalimNews and operated under the Kalimpong Press Club.

Comment Policy:
We encourage respectful and constructive discussions. Please ensure decency while commenting and register with your email ID to participate.

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.