Most may have heard stories about how courage and determination can help one overcome every obstacle in their way. But a 26-year-old bodybuilder from India proved this once more by earning his IFBB Pro card.

While earning the IFBB Pro card is a commendable feat for a bodybuilder in itself, the challenge was much bigger for India's Azad Sulaiman, who competed with his disabilities of being deaf and mute. However, the 26-year-old didn't let his disabilities bow him down, as he won his IFBB Pro card at the 2026 IHFF Sheru Classic India, held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Sulaiman topped the concurrent qualifiers of the Classic Physique division, earning his pro card. His final battle with Rajat R S Gowda was a thoroughly intense one. But Sulaiman enjoyed the last laugh at the end of it.

However, even before Sulaiman's victory, a wholesome moment happened on the stage, which made him only happier.

While Gowda and Sulaiman were waiting on the stage for the final decision, the anchor of the show gave a special shout-out to the latter for making it to such a stage, despite his disabilities.

He said, "Put your hands in the air and clap for him. I'll tell you why. He's such a phenomenal athlete that we have here, [but] he is unable to hear and unable to talk. But [still], he was able to come here to the finals. Can we give him a big round of applause, get your hands up and applaud, so that he knows it's for him."

Coupled with his IFBB Pro card victory, this recognition made Sulaiman's day even better. However, these weren't the only feats that the 26-year-old bodybuilder earned at the 2026 IHFF Sheru Classic India.

Azad Sulaiman claimed another commendable feat at the same event

Sulaiman has competed and secured commendable positions in several other renowned bodybuilding competitions, including Mr. India. The bodybuilder from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, won the silver medal at Mr. India 2024.

However, not many of his ventures were as glorious as the 2026 IHFF Sheru Classic India. Besides being applauded by the crowd for his dedication and earning his IFBB Pro card, Sulaiman also bagged the bronze medal in the IFBB Pro Show after earning his Pro card.

Despite taking on seasoned contestants like Manoj Patil, Kasonga Mukuna, and Ravi Pawar, among others, Sulaiman caught the eye of the judges with his definition and symmetry. Subsequently, the event increased his accolades tally, as he bagged third place, leaving several renowned Pro contenders behind.

Does Sulaiman's story inspire you? Let us know in the comments.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more

Written by

Souvik Roy

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil