Matribhumi Samachar English
- Just like cricket produced world champions, I firmly believe it’s only a matter of time before India produces world champions in bodybuilding: Allu Sirish
- Becomes the largest competition for ICN this year, of the 70 odd hosted globally.
- Gives impetus to natural fitness from young age, by encouraging kids to compete.
Hyderabad, August 24th, 2025: The spectacular natural fitness extravaganza, Deccan Uprising 2025, hosted by ICN (iCompete Natural), the world’s leading federation for Natural Fitness Modelling, received unprecedented response and set a record as the largest competition of the year among the 70 odd hosted across the globe. The two-day action-packed event, powered by Presenting Partner Wellversed, concluded today at the SR Classic Convention Centre, Shamshabad.
Over 400 athletes from across India and abroad, spanning diverse age groups and categories, vied for the honours at the high-octane competition in bodybuilding, fitfashion, fitness modelling, and transformation challenges. Tollywood heartthrob Allu Sirish, a passionate advocate of natural fitness, charmed the contenders and the audience, by gracing the competition as a special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Allu Sirish “Many of you know me as a fitness enthusiast through my social media posts. Among all fitness platforms, one that I truly admire is ICN — “I Compete Naturally.” In India, there’s often a misconception that building a great physique is only possible with steroids. ICN, however, is a global natural bodybuilding competition that proves otherwise. It stands apart by rigorously testing athletes through WADA, the same agency that tests Olympic athletes, ensuring that every achievement is the result of years of dedication, discipline, and sheer hard work. My own passion for natural bodybuilding was rekindled by my trainer, Tarun, himself an ICN athlete. Under his guidance over the past year, I’ve transformed back into shape, motivated by the belief that true fitness comes without shortcuts. I was amazed to discover that Hyderabad alone has over 450 ICN athletes, and the community is steadily growing. My message to youth is, you don’t need steroids to build your body. With the right nutrition, right trainer, and consistency, you can sculpt an incredible athletic physique. Shortcuts only harm your health and health is non-negotiable. My humble appeal to the governments of the Telugu states is to recognize bodybuilding formally and extend sponsorship to athletes. After all, bodybuilding and powerlifting are Olympic-recognized sports, a distinction even cricket does not enjoy. While bodybuilding in India is yet to get its due recognition, globally it is celebrated, rewarding athletes with both honor and prize money. Just like cricket has produced world champions, I firmly believe it’s only a matter of time before India produces world champions in bodybuilding.
Speaking about the event, Jay Acharya, President of ICN India & ICN UAE, and the Organiser of the Deccan Uprising 2025 said, ICN is the world’s largest natural fitness, natural fitfashion and natural body building platform. Our moto is to support the athletes community and of course maximize the human potential. We do multiple testing, one thing that separates us from lot of federations is our drug testing particle, polygraph testing and particle testing by WADA, the World Anti-doping Agency. We do urine analysis sampling, which is sent back to America for drug testing. We encourage natural fitness and natural health. Our vision is to position India as the ‘Mecca of Natural Fitness’. Deccan Uprising 2025, brought global standards of fair drug-free fitness competitions to Hyderabad, empowering athletes to showcase their dedication and passion while inspiring a new generation. Hyderabad has incredible local talent, be it in natural fitness, fitfashion and body building. The record participation of over 400 individual athletes, with over 950 entries at the Deccan Uprising 2025, makes it the largest competition out of the 70 odd conducted globally by ICN in 2025. This is a big deal because its done naturally, drug free, no performance enhancing drugs are used. We will be showcasing Indian talent unearthed here, at competitions abroad in Bali, Dubai, Australia, New Zealand, all through Europe, France, Italy, Belgium, in the coming days.
Joey Cantlin, Head Judge ICN INDIA; said, the natural fitness, natural fitfashion and natural body building competition has been growing exponentially in India, year on year. A key focus of the competition is nurturing young talent and instilling the values of drug-free, natural fitness from an early age, a habit that lasts a lifetime. At a time when children are increasingly glued to digital gadgets and facing lifestyle-related issues such as obesity and Type-2 diabetes at a young age, this platform offers them an inspiring opportunity to stay active, embrace fitness, and lead a healthier lifestyle.”
Aditya Seth, Co-Founder, Wellversed, said, we as a sports nutrition brand, are tying up with ICN to build an eco-system for natural body building in India. We are the Title Sponsors for Deccan Uprising 2025. The number of athletes participating in ICN competitions is surging year on year. Our aim is to promote natural body building in India holistically and ensure that the country makes a mark globally in this sphere.
During the last two days the competition witnessed, Men’s Physique, Men’s Classic Physique, Men’s Bodybuilding and Men’s Fitness Model along with Ms Bikini, Ms Sports Model and Ms Street Model, and the winners of each of the category were crowned. This year’s competition had ICN Pros, international champions, fitness icons, lifestyle influencers, star athletes and influencers, alongside enthusiastic amateurs raring to make mark on the global stage. ICN-certified international judges, led by Jay Acharya, ensured unbiased results through rigorous anti-doping protocols and fair competition. Jay Acharya is also an international judge, but for reasons of propriety refrains from judging Indian events, since he is the organiser.
The event was showcased to a global audience of natural fitness enthusiasts through state-of-the-art LED stage production for a spectacular athlete and audience experience.
About ICN
Founded in Australia in 1991 by Wayne McDonald, ICN (iCompete Natural) is the world’s largest federation for drug-free fitness and bodybuilding, with a presence in over 90 countries and a community of more than 30,000 athletes. With its motto “Commitment to Drug-Free Competition”, ICN is synonymous with fairness, integrity, and opportunity in fitness modelling and bodybuilding.
About ICN India
ICN India is among the fastest-growing natural fitness federations globally, with an expanding presence in Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Surat, and more cities. It has pioneered unique categories such as the Moms Division and plans to introduce Kids Competitions, broadening access to fitness culture.
About Title Sponsor Wellversed
Wellversed, India’s leading health and wellness brand, champions the cause of drug-free sport and partners with ICN to enhance athlete experience on and off the stage, aligned with its mission of “Maximising Human Potential.”
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