Article by Nirmal Mangar
Hard work, discipline, and belief in oneself can truly change lives—something Aditya Chettri, a student from Sikkim Manipal University, has proven by winning the prestigious Mt Kabru Denim Jeans title. At a young age, Aditya’s journey from an unmotivated, skinny teenager to a confident fitness competitor stands as an inspiring story for today’s youth. He works out Fit Sikkim Gym, Tadong.
Speaking about his victory, Aditya expressed immense gratitude and satisfaction. “It feels really good. I put in the work, and I got the results,” he said, reflecting on the dedication behind his achievement.
Originally from Sirwani, Aditya is the son of Sambu Chettri and Neeta Chettri. He completed his schooling at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School and is currently in his second year of Bachelor in Hospital Administration (BHA) at Sikkim Manipal University (SMU).
Aditya has steadily built his presence in the fitness circuit through consistent effort and competition experience. Before winning Mt Kabru Denim Jeans, he participated in several notable events including ICN India, Mount Kabru Season 1 and 2, and Mr Sikkim Amateur. These platforms helped him overcome stage fright and develop the confidence required to excel under pressure. A major turning point in his journey came when he secured second place in the Denim Jeans category at ICN India, significantly boosting his self-belief.
Preparation for the Mt Kabru competition was intense and focused. Aditya trained for nearly six months, following a disciplined routine that included morning and evening gym sessions, while balancing his college schedule. He credits posing sessions as one of the most demanding aspects of the preparation.
A key pillar of his success was mentorship. Aditya trained under the guidance of his brother and coach Karma Topden Tamang, whose support and structured approach played a vital role in refining his performance.
Fitness, according to Aditya, was at the heart of the competition. As a vegetarian, he followed a protein-rich diet consisting of paneer, soya chunks, whey protein, and curd, while making tough sacrifices such as giving up cheese fries and high-calorie chocolate oatmeal. To maintain mental clarity and focus, he relied on bike rides and music, which helped him stay motivated throughout the demanding phase.
Behind every successful athlete is a strong support system, and Aditya openly acknowledges his family’s role in his journey. He draws his greatest inspiration from his father, Sambu Chettri, whose work ethic has taught him to persevere and never give up. He also credits his first coach Jason Moktan from Darjeeling for laying the foundation of his fitness journey, while internationally, he looks up to renowned fitness icon Ryan Terry.
For Aditya, winning the Mt Kabru Denim Jeans title is more than just a trophy—it is a personal victory. “It was a challenge for me, and winning felt like proving myself,” he shared. He believes that his work ethic and consistency set him apart from the rest of the competitors, reinforcing the importance of staying humble while continuing to work hard.
Looking ahead, Aditya has his sights firmly set on bigger goals. He aims to earn a Pro Card at ICN India, with plans to compete at that level by 2027. Beyond that, he hopes to represent himself on national and international platforms, remaining open to opportunities in fitness, modeling, or related fields.
Reflecting on his transformation, Aditya shared a powerful message for young people. “Back in 2021, I was skinny and had no motivation towards fitness. Over the last four years, consistency brought me here. If I can do it, anyone can,” he said.
His advice to aspiring youngsters is simple yet impactful: don’t wait for the perfect moment—start before you feel ready, trust the process, and believe in yourself.
