Deccan Uprising 2025: Record response to natural fitness festival in Hyderabad

Deccan Uprising 2025, hosted by ICN in Hyderabad, drew 400+ athletes. Allu Sirish urged youth to embrace drug-free fitness, as organisers stressed rigorous anti-doping tests and global ambitions

Hyderabad: The Deccan Uprising 2025, a spectacular natural fitness extravaganza hosted by ICN (iCompete Natural), the world’s leading federation for natural fitness modelling, drew a record response with more than 400 competitors taking part in the two-day event at the SR Classic Convention Centre, Shamshabad. The event was powered by Wellversed.

Tollywood star Allu Sirish, a passionate advocate of natural fitness, was the special guest.

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“Many of you know me as a fitness enthusiast through my social media posts. Among all fitness platforms, one I truly admire is ICN — ‘I Compete Naturally’,” Sirish said.

“I was amazed to discover Hyderabad alone has over 450 ICN athletes. My message to youth is simple: you don’t need steroids to build your body. With the right nutrition, right trainer, and consistency, you can sculpt an incredible physique. I believe it’s only a matter of time before India produces world champions in bodybuilding.”

Focus on Clean Sport

Jay Acharya, President of ICN India & ICN UAE and organiser of Deccan Uprising 2025, said ICN has established itself as the world’s largest platform for natural fitness, natural fit fashion, and natural bodybuilding.

“We do multiple testing. What separates us from many federations is our rigorous anti-doping mechanism — polygraph testing and WADA-compliant urine analysis, which is sent to the US for verification. We encourage only natural fitness and health,” Acharya explained.

Joey Cantlin, Head Judge of ICN India, said the movement for drug-free bodybuilding is growing rapidly across the country.

Aditya Seth, Co-Founder of Wellversed, said the nutrition brand was proud to partner with ICN.

“Our vision is to holistically promote natural bodybuilding in India and ensure the country makes a mark globally in this sphere,” Seth added.