Veteran bodybuilder continues to defy age and odds with international success Flexing for Glory at 60

By Allaam Ousman  

Nishantha Perera posing during the event in Dubai

At an age when most athletes hang up their boots, Nishantha Perera is still stepping on the podium. The 60-year-old bodybuilding stalwart added two more international medals to his impressive collection at the Global Powerlifting and Bodybuilding International (GPBI) conducted event held on April 28 in Dubai — a competition that drew participants from seven nations, including Armenia, Italy, Pakistan, Hungary, Brazil, Zambia and Sri Lanka.  

Competing in both amateur and pro categories, Nishantha secured gold in the Over-60 Masters division and silver in the 75kg weight class — a remarkable feat at an event that blends seasoned athletes with rising contenders.  

“This is medal number 19 for me internationally,” he said proudly. “Every stage I walk on, every flag I carry, it’s a reminder that discipline, not age, defines the athlete.”  

A former Royal College sportsman, Nishantha’s athletic journey began with rugby, boxing, athletics, wrestling, karate and football. But it is in bodybuilding, a sport he took up only in 2010, that he found his true calling.  

He tasted early success, placing fifth in the Over-45 Masters at the Western Province tournament, but his breakout moment came in 2018, when he claimed bronze at the NBBUI World Championship in Delhi. Since then, he has represented Sri Lanka in Germany, Italy, the UK, India, Thailand, and China, often in IFBB events, earning respect and medals across the globe.  

What sets Nishantha apart isn’t just his longevity-it’s his independence and discipline. A self-taught athlete, he trains five days a week at Live Strong Fitness Factory in Maharagama, funds all his overseas competitions himself, and follows a rigorous diet and supplement regimen.  

“I eat 15 to 20 eggs a day. Eggs are the best natural protein. That, along with chicken and clean eating, keeps me in peak shape,” said Nishantha, who balances his sporting life with business. He runs Nishantha Seafood at the Peliyagoda Fish Market, supplying fresh tuna to leading supermarkets.  

His local record is equally impressive, with 27 domestic medals including six golds, and five Colombo District titles in the 75kg class, often competing against much younger athletes. “I don’t believe in age categories when it comes to discipline. My opponents may be younger, but I’m not here to be second.”  

Now a grandfather, Nishantha shows no signs of slowing down. “Bodybuilding is my passion and my lifestyle. I will continue as long as my body allows me,” he said.   

From Royal College football fields to international bodybuilding stages, Nishantha Perera is proof that muscle may be built in the gym-but champions are forged by will.  

Nishantha Perera on the podium

CAREER RECORD

NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

 2010 Western Province (Over 45) – 5th Place  
 2011 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 45) – 4th Place  
 2014 National Sports Competition, Colombo (80KG) – 1st Place  
 2014 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 45) – 2nd Place  
 2015 HE MAN, National Bodybuilding Championship (75KG) – 3rd Place  
 2015 Mr. Colombo (75kg) – 3rd Place  
 2015 Mr. Western Province (75kg) – 3rd Place  
 2015 National Sports Competition, Colombo (75kg) – 3rd Place  
 2015 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 45) – 4th Place  
 2016 National Sports Competition, Colombo (75kg) – 2nd Place  
 2016 National Sports Competition (75kg) – 1st Place  
 2016 Mr. Western Province (80kg) – 4th Place  
 2016 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 50) – 1st Place  
 2017 National Sports Competition, Colombo (80kg) – 2nd Place  
 2017 National Sports Competition, All Island (80kg) – 3rd Place  
 2017 National Sports Competition, Western Province (80kg) – 2nd Place  
 2017 Sri Lanka Masters Bodybuilding (Over 50) – 1st Place  
 2017 Sri Lanka Masters Bodybuilding (Over 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60) – 2nd Place  
 2017 Mr. Colombo (80kg) – 3rd Place  
 2017 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 50) – 1st Place  
 2018 National Sports festival, Colombo (85kg) – 1st Place  
 2018 National sports Festival, Western Province (80kg) – 1st Place  
 2018 Mr. HE MAN (Over 50) – 1st Place  
 2018 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 50) – 1st Place  
 2019 National Sports Festival (80kg) – 1st Place  
 2019 Mr. Colombo (85kg) – 1st Place  
 2019 Mr. Sri Lanka (Over 50) – 2nd Place  

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

2018 36th NBBUI Mr and Miss World Championship, Delhi India (Over 50) – 3rd Place  
 2018 Mr and Miss Universe, Germany (Classic Bodybuilding) – 2nd Place  
 2018 Mr and Miss Universe, Germany (Over 50) – 2nd Place  
 2019 NBBUI Mr and Miss Asia Bodybuilding, India (Over 50) – 1st Place  
 2019 NBBUI Olimpia Taranto, Italy (Over 50) – 5th Place  
 2019 NBBUI Olimpia Taranto, Italy (70kg) – 3rd Place  
 2019 1st NBBUI Pro League, India (Over 50) – 3rd Place  
 2022 UIBFF Northwest Warrior, United Kingdom (Over 50) – 3rd Place  
 2022 39th NBBUI Mr and Miss Universe, Thailand (Over 55) – 1st Place