[4][5][6] He is also the first Sri Lankan Bodybuilder to participate in the IFBB Pro Arnold Classic Amateur, where he came in 4th place.

[12] In 2017, he won a gold medal in the 51st Asian Bodybuilding and Physiques Sports Festival in South Korea, and was titled Mr Asia.

[18] In May 2020, Pushparaj participated in the Super Heavyweight division at the Arnold Amateur competition and placed fourth overall.

Arguably, this was due to a conflict with the SLBF over his criticism of the body's support of the IFBB Elite Pro.

[21][22] As a result, the SLBF withdrew their sponsorship funding from his events, leading Pushparaj to cover his own flight tickets and other associated costs, despite his previous successes.

He denied the allegations and accused the federation of attempting to tarnish his image and prevent him from taking part in international events representing Sri Lanka.