Harshjot Gill, who hails from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, moved to Australia in 2017 to pursue a bachelor’s in Information Technology. Besides his passion for computers, Harshjot is also passionate about fitness and is pursuing a career in bodybuilding.
He recently took part in the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) Australia NSW 2022 competition held in April this year. The Australia Today spoke with the 24-year-old to know more about his journey and his plans ahead.
Tell us about your background and how did you get into bodybuilding?
When I started this journey I didn’t really have a goal to complete or make a career in this field. I used to be tech-savvy and was really passionate about computers and video games. But somewhere a part of me always wanted to become an athlete like my grandfather. He has always been my inspiration and would encourage me to do whatever I want to do.
And with time, I grew a lot of interest in training. When I saw my body changing and people would come up to me to appreciate my hard work then I realised this isn’t just a hobby, it’s my passion and that’s when I decided to pursue it further.
How was your experience taking part in IFBB competition in Australia?
This competition wasn’t just a game for me, instead, it was a game-changer. It made me disciplined in my life. Before this competition I wasn’t sure what I’m going to do in my life but after I went on stage I fell in love with that feeling when everyone was cheering me and had a faith in me, that moment made me feel alive and I decided that this is what I want to do rest of my life.
What kind of effort is required to have the physical fitness to become a professional bodybuilder?
First and foremost, you need to have a set goal that that’s what you want to achieve and then you have to discipline yourself to have a healthy diet plan not just at the time of competition but throughout your entire life. You have to balance your binge eating and be consistent with your training with a structured plan.
As an Indian-Australian have you ever felt disadvantaged competing here or that has never been the case?
I don’t really think that there is any kind of disadvantage to me being an Indian- Australian.
What advice would you give to youngsters in Australia or India who want to get into it?
My advice to youngsters would be to be that everyone can do what they want to do if they set their mind onto something, Because me being an ectomorph it was really hard for me to gain muscle, no matter how much I would eat. So, it took me a fair bit of time to be where I am but patience and consistency are the keys.
