THE 57TH MEN'S WORLD BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP - MR. UNIVERSE 2003, MUMBAI, INDIA

India has a rich history of strong men, viz. Dara Singh and Randhawa, two household names that created a mass following of body building enthusiasts. In order to help satiate the growing appetite for bodybuilding, Procam International, along with the Indian Body Building Federation, pursued the International Federation of Body Builders to stage in India the largest amateur bodybuilding championships of the world, namely the Mr. Universe competition.

Organised by a private company -- Procam International, for the first time in its 57-year history, the Men's World Bodybuilding Championship - Mr. Universe 2003, was telecast live by ESPN Star Sports in India. Also, for the first time, the event was held outdoors, where historically it has been held indoors, to enthrall the sport loving fans of the country.

Over 12,000 people came to witness the largest body building stage event in the world, held on the grounds of the Cricket Club of India. Over 75 nations, with more than 300 athletes, participated for the ultimate prize of Mr. Universe, and Mr. El Shahat Mabrouk from Egypt was adjudged Mr. Universe 2003.

In recognition of the growing importance and popularity of this grassroots sporting event, mainstream media adopted the sport in headlines on the front pages of leading Indian newspapers during the competition. Procam International has sown the seeds to build the sport into the largest entertainment and sporting extravaganza; and it has been the exemplary vision and support of both Mr. Ben Weider and Mr. Raphael Santoja, the fathers of the sport, that helped to create the platform in India, and will help to nurture and foster the growth of bodybuilding in the nation.