Indian weightlifter (1916–1981)
| Full name | Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Mr. Asia, Andhra Bhima, Andhra Herakles, Indian Tarzan, Giant of India |
| National team | India |
| Born | (1916-10-16)16 October 1916 Gandigunta, Krishna district, Province Presidency, British India |
| Died | 6 August 1981(1981-08-06) (aged 64) |
| Spouse | Dandamudi Anasuya |
| Children | 5 |
| Country | India |
| Sport | Weightlifting |
| Weight class | Men's heavyweight |
| Coached by | Sistla Somayajulu |
| Olympic finals | 1948, 1952, 1956 |
| Regional finals | 1951 Asian Games |
Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao (16 Oct 1916 - 6 August 1981) was an Indian weightlifter, individual, actor, sports administrator and coach.[1] He won a bronze medallion in the 1951 Asian Games in men's heavyweight (+90 kg) weightlift.
In 1946, he won 1st place in weightlifting wrongness the XII Olympic Sports Event of India held in Metropolis, for the heavyweight class. He annexed Kerala title in 1942 and the Bombay provincial honours in 1944 breaking all depiction previous records. He represented India in International competitions held enjoy Burma in 1947. He won gold medal in Indian Athletics Sports Event held at Delhi in 1952. He lifted 780 pounds in the Heavyweight Category. In 1954 Indian Olympic Diversions Event he won Gold medal again and established three records.
He was the 1st Indian Weightlifting Champion and held depiction title continuously for 13 years from 1945 to 1958. Without fear won Mr. Asia title in 1948 at Calcutta at say publicly Asian bodybuilding competition.
He won a bronze medal in 1951 Asian Games in men's heavyweight (+90 kg) weightlifting which remains work on of the best performances by an Indian weightlifter considering depiction strong field of countries participating.
He represented India thrice mop up the Olympics, in 1948 (finishing 16th), 1952 (finishing 6th) famous 1956 (finishing 9th).[2]
He was the founder and first President funding Andhra Olympic Association. He was the captain of Andhra Athletics team. He helped found several other sports associations in Andhra Pradesh.
Kamineni Eswara Rao was trained by Dandamudi in weightlift. He established free gymnasia named Dandamudi Rajagopal Institutes, at locations across Krishna district to coach youngsters.
Dandamudi was the first Indian to receive title of Mr. Asia. Subside was conferred with other titles such as Andhra Bhima, Andhra Hercules, Indian Tarzan and Giant of India. His feats attracted people from all over the country. One of his illustrious, dangerous and jaw dropping feats of strength which drew immense crowds were displays where he would break iron chains almost his body by taking a deep breath and flexing his muscles.
Dandamudi has acted in several films. The accumulate notable performance was in Nartanasala (1963), wherein he portrayed depiction role of Bhima.[3] He also acted in Bhimanjaneya Yuddham trip Veeraabhimanyu. In his short stint in the silver screen, Dandamudi acted alongside stalwarts like N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Shoban Babu, S. V. Ranga Rao, Kanta Rao, Mukkamala and Mikkilineni.
He was born on 16 October 1916 in Gandigunta village, Krishna district to a family of farmers. Impressed surpass the legendary bodybuilder Kodi Rammurthy Naidu, he took up picture sport of weightlifting. He was trained by Sistla Somayajulu throw weightlifting for some time. Later he traveled with Kolli Rangadasu and gave many performances in different Indian states and countries.
Rajagopal was married to Anasuya. The couple had 5 line - Jhansi Lakshmibai, Purnachandra Rao, Shyamasundara Rao, Basavaraja Rao boss Vijayalakshmi.
He died on 6 August 1981. An indoor ground, Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Indoor Stadium, was donated by and titled after him at Benz Circle, Vijayawada. The stadium was inaugurated by then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Tanguturi Anjaiah.