Bhutan is once again in the regional sporting spotlight as Thimphu hosts the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship from tomorrow. More than 100 athletes from seven South Asian countries have arrived in the capital, with Bhutan fielding its largest-ever contingent, reflecting the rapid growth of bodybuilding in the country.
Bhutan has registered its largest-ever team for the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship, with more than 40 athletes, including seven women, competing this year.
According to the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association, the number of Bhutanese participants has increased by 200 per cent compared to previous editions, highlighting the steady growth of bodybuilding in the country.
“Everyone is very excited. We have top athletes, including world champions, coming to compete in this prestigious event. To honour the 70th birthday of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, we are also offering a special cash prize of USD 5,000. The spirit of healthy living and competition has really taken hold. We have seen a growing number of participants, and we hope this positive trend continues. We are already gearing up to host the World Championship next year,” said Sonam Penjor (PhD), President, Bhutan Bodybuilding Association.
“Bhutan started with a very limited number of athletes. When I was here about 20 years back, they had only two or three athletes. Today’s competition has attracted 47 athletes participating. This shows the sport has tremendously risen. The sport has grown, not only for men, but also as women are participating. This shows people are health-conscious. Bodybuilding is not only for competition, but it’s also for health,” said Datuk Paul Chua, President, World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation.
The championship has attracted athletes from all seven member countries of the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation. India has sent the largest overseas contingent with 29 athletes, followed by Afghanistan with 15, Nepal with 10, the Maldives with six, Sri Lanka with five, and Pakistan with three.
Athletes will compete in 20 categories, including junior and senior men’s bodybuilding, athletic physique, sports physique, women’s physique, and mixed pairs.
The official competition begins on Thursday following the athletes’ weigh-in, height measurements, and the federation’s conference on Wednesday.
“Bhutan is a country that many people are looking forward to being here, to participate. They are also eager to see the Shangri-La. And they feel it is one of the most unexploited cities in the world. It has got very blue skies, nice people, the traffic is very good, and it’s very smooth. So, everything is in a proper order, so people love to be here,” said Datuk Paul Chua, President, World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation.
The overall champion will be crowned Mr South Asia 2026 and will receive a cash prize of USD 5,000 along with the championship trophy.
The championship will conclude on Saturday.
The Bhutan Bodybuilding Association, with support from the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, is organising the five-day championship.
Namgay Wangdi & Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
