Kerala Govt Considers Bodybuilders for Inspector Roles After Mass Fitness Test Failures
Kerala Government’s Plan to Appoint Bodybuilders as Police Inspectors Faces Setback
In a surprising turn of events, the Kerala government's ambitious initiative to appoint bodybuilding champions as police inspectors has encountered a significant obstacle.
The plan, which aimed to leverage the physical prowess and international achievements of bodybuilders, hit a roadblock when most candidates failed to clear the mandatory physical fitness test required for the role.
This development has sparked widespread discussion and criticism, raising questions about the feasibility of the government's approach and the criteria used for such appointments.
The Plan and Its Intentions:
The Kerala cabinet had recently approved a proposal to appoint two renowned bodybuilders, Shinu Chovva from Kannur and Chitharesh Natesan from Kochi, as Armed Police Sub-Inspectors under a special sports quota.
Both individuals had earned accolades on the international stage, with Shinu Chovva being an acclaimed bodybuilding champion.
The government’s rationale was to recognize their exceptional achievements and integrate their physical capabilities into the police force.
This move was seen as an exception to the norm, bypassing the usual requirement that candidates under the sports quota must have excelled in Olympic or National Games-recognized sports.
The decision, however, was not without controversy. Critics pointed out that while bodybuilding requires immense strength and discipline, it may not necessarily translate to the agility, endurance, and overall fitness demanded of police personnel.
Nonetheless, the government pressed ahead, relaxing certain conditions and issuing appointment orders after overriding initial objections from the Home Department.
The plan unraveled during the physical fitness test held on February 24, 2025, at the Peroorkada SP Ground in Thiruvananthapuram. Shinu Chovva, despite his impressive bodybuilding credentials, failed to meet the required standards in multiple events, including the 100-meter race, long jump, high jump, and 1500-meter race.
These tests are designed to assess a candidate’s overall physical endurance and agility—skills deemed essential for police duties. Meanwhile, Chitharesh Natesan, the other recommended candidate, did not even appear for the test.
The failure of these candidates has been a significant embarrassment for the state government, which had championed their appointment as a special case. Reports indicate that the fitness test results exposed a gap between the specialized skills of bodybuilding and the broader physical demands of law enforcement roles.
The setback has fueled criticism from various quarters. Many have questioned the logic behind appointing bodybuilders to such positions without ensuring they meet the rigorous fitness standards applied to other police recruits.
Athletes from recognized sports disciplines, who have been awaiting government jobs through the sports quota for years, have expressed frustration over what they perceive as preferential treatment.
The decision to bypass established procedures has also drawn scrutiny, with some arguing that it undermined the integrity of the recruitment process.
Opposition voices have seized the opportunity to criticize the Kerala government, labeling the move as a poorly thought-out gimmick.
They argue that while celebrating sporting achievements is commendable, it should not come at the cost of compromising the operational readiness of the police force.
The outcome highlights a fundamental mismatch between the government’s vision and practical execution. Bodybuilding, while an impressive feat of strength and dedication, focuses heavily on muscle mass and aesthetics rather than the cardiovascular endurance and agility tested in police fitness exams.
The 1500-meter race, for instance, requires sustained stamina, which may not align with the training regimen of a bodybuilder. Similarly, events like the high jump and long jump demand explosive power and technique that may not be honed in bodybuilding routines.
Moreover, the absence of Chitharesh Natesan from the test raises additional questions about the candidates’ preparedness and commitment to the role. It remains unclear why he opted out, but his non-participation has only deepened the perception of a flawed initiative.
Looking ahead, The failure of this experiment has put the Kerala government in a difficult position. It now faces the challenge of addressing the fallout while reassessing its approach to integrating sports talent into public service roles.
For Shinu Chovva and Chitharesh Natesan, this setback does not diminish their accomplishments in bodybuilding but underscores the distinct requirements of police work.
As of February 25, 2025, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of aligning recruitment policies with the practical demands of the job.
Whether the government will double down on its plan or pivot to a more conventional approach remains to be seen. For now, the dream of seeing bodybuilders patrol Kerala’s streets as police inspectors has hit a significant—and perhaps insurmountable—roadblock.
