The 91-knuckle push-up record of America’s Ron Cooper gave way for a new world record by an Indian on May 1.

Chakkanath Pradeep from Pookkottumpadam, near Nilambur, in the district set the world record by doing 99 knuckle push-ups in a minute.

A painting worker, Pradeep harboured the desire to set a record in push-ups ever since he was a child. He achieved the distinction at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Amarambalam Panchayat Painters Association at Pookkottumpadam.

Pradeep staged his performance in front of a gathering of civic and political leaders, including Nilambur MLA P.V. Anvar and Amarambalam grama panchayat president C. Sujata.

When Pradeep began training for the fete, the world record had remained in the name of a Malayali. The 86-push-up record was set up by K.J. Joseph from Munnar a few years ago.

“I had set my eyes on Joseph’s record. But in December last year, Cooper broke that record by doing 91 push-ups. Then my objective changed,” said Mr. Pradeep.

He has been training intensively without the help of any expert for the last two years. He kept aside some time for training after his daily work. He did not hide his happiness at the achievement he made without the help of anyone.

The fete was videographed and sent to the Guinness World Records and the Limca Book of Records.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Abdul Latheef  Naha / Malappuram – May 03rd, 2017