Strength, sacrifice, triumph
Building a strong physique is a dream many hold, but only a few achieve it through relentless dedication, consistency, and sheer determination. For those who aspire to be competitive athletes in bodybuilding, the journey demands far more than just gym sessions and protein shakes, it requires extraordinary physical energy, mental grit, disciplined routines, and a heart that can endure setbacks without breaking. The path is lined with sacrifices, financial strains, and battles against doubt, magnified when undertaken without the financial and moral support that athletes in many other countries take for granted. Yet, when all these hurdles are met head-on and a medal is finally secured, the joy and pride are on an entirely different level, transforming each struggle into a badge of honor.
This is the story of Rameez Ibrahim and Abdul Majeed, two Pakistani bodybuilders who recently claimed gold medals at Mr. Universe 2024. Rameez became the winner of overall Mr. Universe title defeating 45 other participating countries, bagged a gold medal, and earned a pro card in the Men's Physique category. Majeed on the other hand bagged two gold medals and the Mr. Universe title. Their achievements symbolize more than personal victories; they represent the spirit of resilience that characterizes Pakistan’s athletes. The path to success for both was fraught with huge challenges.
Every rep in the gym and every meal they scraped together represented the weight of the sacrifices they had made. Majeed juggled a full-time IT job with rigorous training sessions, working up to 14 hours a day to fund his passion without burdening his family. Ibrahim, on the other hand, selling all he have, bet everything on a dream that seemed impossible without sponsors or government backing, embarked on a solo journey from Karachi with no coach or support team, facing visa rejections and extended travel delays.
But standing on the international stage, with the Pakistani flag behind them and the national anthem ringing through the venue, they knew every hardship was worth it. Both men were driven by a desire not only to excel but to uplift their country’s standing on the global stage. The lack of proper coaching, resources, and financial support did not deter them; instead, it fueled their resolve. Competing internationally revealed to them the disparities between local and international standards, but their determination to learn, adapt, and push beyond their limits was unyielding.
These victories at Mr. Universe are more than medals, they are proof that with grit and an unshakeable will, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome, inspiring a new generation of Pakistani athletes to dream big and persevere.
Rameez Ibrahim's Journey
Ibrahim's remarkable journey in the world of bodybuilding is a testament to his firm dedication, perseverance and passion for the sport. With 26 titles and championships under his belt, including national, district, city, Karachi and Pakistan-level wins, Ibrahim has been making Pakistan proud on the international stage for eight years, without any sponsor or government support. His journey is a shining example of how hard work, determination and a love for the sport can lead to incredible success.
"I've faced incredible challenges, but I've been blessed with numerous triumphs. With 26 titles and championships under my belt, I've conquered competitions at every level: national, district, city, Karachi, and Pakistan. For the past eight years, I've proudly represented Pakistan on the international stage, securing medals and recognition in countries like Uzbekistan, Dubai, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Despite receiving no sponsorship or government support, I've successfully brought pride to my nation, solidifying my status as a world champion," shared Ibrahim.
One of the most pivotal moments in Ibrahim's career came when he won the recent gold medal at Mr. Universe 2024 in Las Vegas. He recalls the emotional moment when the Pakistan national anthem played as he stood on the podium with tears of joy streaming down his face, marking a triumphant culmination of his hard work and dedication.
"When I emerged victorious in the US capital, the Pakistani flag waved high, and the national anthem echoed through the air. Overcome with emotion, I fell to my knees in prostration, tears of joy streaming down my face. The years of hard work had finally paid off. I am grateful for the blessings of God, the continuous prayers of my parents, the love and support of my wife, and the well wishes of my nation. It was a particularly challenging journey, but God's guidance and strength carried me through," he expressed.
As the owner of RK Fitness, Ibrahim is committed to giving back to the community and contributing to the growth and development of bodybuilding in Pakistan. His gym has been a hub for nurturing talent, and he takes pride in having prepared 100 international athletes who have won medals in Asian and Universe competitions. Ibrahim estimates that he has done 2000 transformations and 1000 female transformations, cementing his reputation as one of the most experienced and certified fitness experts in Pakistan.
He further added that he was recently presented with an opportunity to represent America, but he declined. “I chose to stay in my home country and continue to train and inspire others here. I am committed to raising the Pakistani flag and making my country proud on a global scale,” he added.
Ibrahim recalls the numerous challenges he faced when he first started participating in international competitions. Despite his dedication and hard work, many doubted his abilities and made fun of him. However, he persevered and continued to work towards his goals.
“I faced harsh ridicule from my own nation when I first ventured into international competitions. Despite my dedication and hard work, many doubted my abilities. However, I persevered and steadily improved, placing 9th, 7th, 6th and 4th from 2016 to 2019. In 2022, I overcame more obstacles, changed federations and won three gold medals in the world championship, defeating India and securing the overall win. I became the first Pakistani to achieve this feat,” he shared.
His most significant achievement to date is becoming the first Pakistani bodybuilder to win three world titles in Thailand. "I feel incredibly proud of my accomplishments. After 18 years of hard work, I have achieved what no Pakistani has before me. I am a world champion, a universe champion and hold two pro cards. I am humbled to be the first Pakistani to set this record and I will continue to make Pakistan proud,” he said.
His journey to this stage was not easy, he had to face tough challenges and decisions of his life. “I sold my three gyms, my car and my house to pursue my dream, and today I have been rewarded with success and respect. I hope that my story will inspire the people of Karachi, Pakistan and Sindh to recognize that we have lions in Karachi who can achieve greatness with determination and hard work," he said.
Ibrahim's recent gold medal win at Mr. Universe 2024 is an evidence to his hard work and dedication. He recalls the experience as "not an easy task" but an incredible achievement that has set a new standard for Pakistan in the presence of big names participating from the countries like USA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea and more.
"Mr. Universe, winning the gold medal in 2024, was a very difficult task. There were 45 countries, and all of them were top-class countries. There were very big teams. It was a very tough time. And this is the biggest success of my life. Because I have set such a history for Pakistan that no one could do it for many years,” he said.
When Ibrahim was announced as the winner, he was overwhelmed with emotion. He remembers the moment vividly, reflecting on the numerous obstacles he overcame to reach the top. “My journey to becoming Mr. Universe was filled with numerous challenges. I embarked on this solo journey from Karachi to represent Pakistan. I traveled alone, without a coach, friend, physiotherapist or doctor. Every obstacle seemed insurmountable, from the delayed 27-hour flight that took 67 hours to reach its destination, to being rejected twice for my visa. I finally secured my visa on the third attempt and was given a very short time to prepare. Despite these setbacks, I remained hopeful and determined,” he expressed.
He added that he faced tough competition from participants from different countries and had to overcome the challenges of finding suitable food and accommodations. Through sheer determination and hard work, he was able to overcome these obstacles and achieve his goal.
This achievement is a significant milestone in Ibrahim's bodybuilding career, and he plans to build on this success to reach even greater heights. "This achievement will have a profoundly positive impact on my future career. As the second-largest federation in the world, comprising 130 registered countries, my victory over 45 nations is a result to my hard work and dedication,” he said adding that his next target is to reach the highest level, and hopes get it with the support of nation and government.
“Just as I made history by becoming the world champion and winning three gold medals in 2022, I have now become Mr. Universe, setting a new benchmark for Pakistani athletes," he added.
Abdul Majeed's Journey
Majeed's story is one of passion, dedication and perseverance. As a former IT professional, Majeed had a successful career, but his true passion lay in bodybuilding. He recalls how his IT career helped him manage his bodybuilding expenses. "I was working in two jobs, eight hours in the office and six hours in the gym. This is how I managed my bodybuilding expenses."
For five years, Majeed worked simultaneously at The International School and Core Karachi Gym in Clifton. He saw how many bodybuilders in Pakistan struggled to manage their expenses, often relying on family support or selling belongings. Determined to avoid burdening his family, Majeed worked hard to manage his expenses independently. His IT career provided him with the resources to fund his bodybuilding endeavors. This allowed him to pursue his passion without financial stress, enabling him to focus on his goals.
Majeed's experience competing in local and national competitions was vastly different from the international stage. He notes, "Competing locally and internationally is totally different. Our coaches don't have enough experience compared to international coaches. You have to stay updated with your experience. Our coaches are more into old school methods."
Despite these challenges, Majeed learned valuable lessons from interacting with international players and coaches. “This exposure helped me prepare for the international stage. The gap in coaching standards highlighted the need for us, the Pakistani bodybuilders, to adapt and learn from international best practices,” he said.
Majeed's journey shows how necessary it is for Pakistani bodybuilders to gain international exposure to excel on the global stage. He stresses the importance of learning from experienced coaches and adapting to new methods, saying, "I learned a lot when I interacted with international players and coaches. This growth mindset enabled me to navigate the challenges of transitioning from local to international competition.” His ability to learn and adapt not only improved his performance but also equipped him to make a mark on the international stage.
The World Fitness Federation played a crucial role in supporting Majeed's journey to Mr. Universe. He acknowledges, "The World Fitness Federation provided me with a platform for this opportunity on the international stage, where we competed along with 42 countries' players, and we raised our flag. I am thankful to the World Fitness Federation for this opportunity."
This support was essential in helping Majeed achieve his dreams. “I hope that organizations like the World Fitness Federation and the Pakistani federation will continue to support and empower Pakistani bodybuilders, providing them with opportunities to shine on the international stage,” he added.
Majeed's reaction to being crowned Mr. Universe was a mix of emotions. He recalls the moment as "unbelievable," unable to put into words the feeling of having a dream come true. He remembers being overcome with happiness and tears, and his first request was for the Pakistani flag. The feeling of representing Pakistan on the international stage was a proud moment for Majeed.
"Officially, my reaction was unbelievable, can't explain in words. That was a dream come true. Happy and crying at the same time. First, I asked for the Pakistani flag," he says, reliving the moment.
Preparing for the competition was no easy feat. Majeed describes the six-month training period as "tough," with increasingly intense workouts and a strict diet plan that had to be followed meticulously. He had to manage his full-time job with his training, which added to the challenge. Despite these obstacles, Majeed was determined to succeed.
"It was tough, but as you get closer to the competition dates, it keeps getting harder and harder. You have to manage everything with a hard workout and diet that should be 100% according to the plan. Everything should be proper measures on the scale, which was tough. I had to manage all of this with full-time work also," he explains.
Majeed's pro card and Mr. Universe title mark a new chapter in his bodybuilding career. He recognizes that competing at the pro level will bring new challenges, but he is ready to take on the next level.
“A pro card is a dream for every bodybuilder. When you turn into a pro athlete, everything is next level. You have to be up for the next level, where you will compete with pro athletes, so it will be challenging, but I am ready for it," he says confidently.
With his newfound status, Majeed is poised to take on the world of professional bodybuilding, determined to make a name for himself and inspire others along the way.
Bodybuilding in Pakistan
Bodybuilding in Pakistan, while rich in talent and passion, is a domain still navigating through a labyrinth of challenges. For bodybuilders like Ibrahim and Majeed, the journey to success is not just about physical strength but an arduous test of resilience against systemic gaps, financial constraints, and the lack of structured support. This backdrop forms the reality of countless athletes striving for recognition in a sport they consider not just a passion but a testament to their sacrifices.
Ibrahim, reflecting on the current state, paints a vivid picture of the obstacles inherent in the sport. He underscores that despite the international achievements brought by athletes, recognition and support at home remain elusive. "The development of Pakistan bodybuilding, can only be such when the people of Pakistan unite, stop pulling each other's legs, support each other, and appreciate any success from any platform,” Ibrahim passionately explains.
This lack of unity extends beyond the athletes and penetrates deep into the administrative frameworks. Ibrahim’s experiences highlight how entrenched individuals without the relevant expertise often control positions in governing bodies. He calls for "removing these black sheep," those who lack any substantial international or professional bodybuilding achievements and yet hold influence over critical decisions.
Majeed, who balanced his IT career with intensive training to achieve the Mr. Universe title, echoes similar sentiments. "Unfortunately, in our community, there are lots of obstacles in terms of unity—too many groups, federations, and politics," Majeed shares, emphasizing the fragmentation that prevents a collective advancement.
He longs for a time when the community can rally under one platform, supported by government efforts and equipped with a structured system to nurture new and existing talent.
The infrastructure deficit is also evident when comparing local facilities to international standards. Ibrahim voices the need for widespread gym development and better resources, "Educated trainers should be hired, gymnasiums should be prepared in all grounds, and they should facilitate the public with the best equipment and facilities. Such improvements would not only elevate bodybuilding but also foster a culture of overall fitness that benefits all athletes.”
Financial strain is a recurring theme in both athletes' stories. The commitment needed to prepare for competitions, measured diets, precise training routines, and the management of expenses, often falls solely on the athlete. “Despite such sacrifices, bodybuilding is 30 years behind on the world stage," notes Ibrahim calling for a comprehensive overhaul akin to the structure of the Pakistan Cricket Board, proposing the creation of a dedicated Pakistan Bodybuilding Board (PBB). "If I am given this command, I will bring Pakistan's bodybuilding forward 30 years in just three years," he confidently asserts, laying out his vision for a revival.
Both Ibrahim and Majeed emphasize that real progress hinges on systemic support and international exposure. Majeed, who also worked as a coach and competed at the local level, knows firsthand the value of international standards and practices. "Competing local and international is totally different. Pakistani coaches still lean heavily on outdated methods, lacking certifications and up-to-date knowledge that could otherwise lift their athletes to new heights, shared Majeed.
Both athletes believe the government and private sectors hold the keys to unlocking this potential. "Government and other institutions should help athletes manage their expenses through a proper system with audit and check and balance," sates Majeed. Ibrahim adds that hosting international competitions and inviting foreign teams could transform the sport's visibility and economic benefits for Pakistan. "This will benefit Pakistan; business will also benefit. The whole world will know that Pakistan is not a terrorist country but a place where people from all over come to play sports," Ibrahim elaborates.
The vision both bodybuilders share goes beyond individual glory. For them, it’s about cementing Pakistan’s presence on the international stage, promoting unity, and fostering a new generation that thrives without the same struggles they endured. "I would love to help my community and see our players on international stages raising our country flag," Majeed says, revealing the drive behind their relentless pursuit, not just for personal victories, but for a future where the next generation of athletes can stand taller and prouder on the world stage.