Thirty-five-year-old Mahalal Rai from Tsirang was crowned Mr Bhutan 2025 at the 14th National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship held yesterday at the Clock Tower Square in Thimphu. A total of 23 athletes competed across four categories: Men’s Open Bodybuilding, Men’s Sports Physique, Women’s Model Physique, and the newly introduced Men’s Junior Bodybuilding.
Among the four categories, only the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division was eligible for Mr Bhutan 2025 title. This time, five contenders competed, with Mahalal Rai emerging as the champion for his exceptional physique, conditioning, and stage presence.
Mahalal began his bodybuilding journey in 2017 and made his debut in 2019. After steadily climbing the ranks, including international representation at the World Championship and a South Asian title this year, he finally claimed the national title. He received a cash prize of Nu 100,000.
“Getting this title, Mr Bhutan 2025, comes after eight years of determination, discipline, workouts, and diet. Every workout set, every meal, and every drop of sweat on the gym floor brought me here with this trophy. This trophy and medal symbolise perseverance, unity, and support. I would like to thank everyone who supported and cheered for me.”
Likewise, Chencho and Sonam Phuntsho received silver and bronze medals, with Nu 50,000 and 30,000 respectively in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division.
In the Men’s Sports Physique category, which saw the highest participation with ten competitors, Phub Dorji from Paro took the top spot. Phub received Nu 50,000 cash prize. He started training in 2019 and finished 3rd in the same category last year.
“So far, I’ve participated about two to three times in the competition. Since this is my first win, I am immensely happy. We have to prepare at least six months before competition day, three months for bulking and three months for cutting. We’ve been following a strict diet for six months, and it was very challenging.”
Likewise, Tandin Gyeltshen and Yeshi Dorji won silver and bronze, receiving Nu 30,000 and 20,000 respectively, in the Men’s Sports Physique category.
In the Women’s Model Physique category, six athletes participated. Standing out among them, 37-year-old Ugyen Pema from Trashigang claimed gold. Ugyen received Nu 50,000 cash prize.
A consistent performer, Ugyen has been winning since 2021. This year, she won two gold medals at the South Asian Championship and represented Bhutan at the Asian Championship.
“We are deprived of eating our favourite foods and have to sacrifice our time. We work out more than normal fitness enthusiasts. But when we get this kind of platform from BBA and BOC, we feel very thankful. I would like to encourage more ladies to come forward, as it is interesting and helps change our fitness lifestyle.”
Likewise, Kinzang Choden and Choki Wangmo won silver and bronze, receiving 30,000 and 20,000 ngultrum, respectively, in the Women’s Model Physique category.
In the newly introduced Men’s Junior Bodybuilding category, 19-year-old Tshewang Dorji from Punakha won gold among two participants. A first-year student at Norbuling Rigter College, he began bodybuilding just a year ago.
“Right now, there are only two of us competing in this category. We hope to inspire more youth so that they can join and compete with us next year.”
Tshering Dendup, who took silver, received Nu 15,000 in the Men’s Junior Bodybuilding category.
With Bhutan preparing to host the World Bodybuilding Championship, the competition marks an important step in the country’s growing presence in the international bodybuilding arena.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
