Bhutanese bodybuilders made a strong start to the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2026. They won three gold, three silver, and four bronze medals on the opening day at the Clock Tower Square in Thimphu yesterday. 68 athletes from seven South Asian countries competed in 12 different weight and height categories.
Hundreds of spectators gathered at the Clock Tower Square to cheer on the athletes as the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships began in the capital yesterday.
Twenty-eight Bhutanese athletes competed in various weight and height categories on the opening day.
Thirty-three-year-old Thinley Dorji from Trongsa won the gold medal in the Men’s Athletic Physique over 167-centimetre category. He outperformed seven athletes from four South Asian countries to claim the title.
“It is a result of months and months of hard work and sacrifice. Without the support from my family, my teammates, and the people who truly believe in me, I wouldn’t have done it. I hope this achievement inspires many Bhutanese, especially the younger generation, to take up bodybuilding, live a healthy lifestyle, and stay disciplined. This gold medal is for Bhutan.”
In the Senior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 60-kilogramme category, 30-year-old Dawa Tashi from Monggar won the gold medal, while Rinchen Tashi secured bronze. Six athletes competed in the category, including five from Bhutan and one from India.
“I am very happy to have won the bodybuilding title. I competed in the Men’s Physique category before, but bodybuilding was a new challenge for me. I was a little nervous. However, with determination, hard work, and the support of those around me, I achieved this result.”
Forty-seven-year-old Sangay Drakpa from Gelephu won the gold medal in the Men’s Athletic Physique up to 160-centimetre category, while Sonam Wangchuk took silver. The category featured two Bhutanese athletes.
“If we are determined to achieve something, nothing is impossible. This result is the reward for my hard work. I am grateful to our president and my superiors for giving me this opportunity.”
Bhutan also added four more medals on the opening day. Ugyen Tashi won silver in the Men’s Sports Physique up to 175-centimetre category. Nine athletes, including four from Bhutan, competed in the event.
In the Senior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 55-kilogramme category, Milan Pradhan claimed silver, while Harka Bahadur Fewali Monger won bronze. Six athletes, including four from Bhutan, one from India, and one from the Maldives, competed in the category.
Dorji Gyeltshen secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Junior Bodybuilding category, which is open to athletes aged 18 to 21. Five athletes from four South Asian countries competed in the event.
Likewise, Sumit Rai won bronze in the Men’s Sports Physique over 175-centimetre category. Six athletes, including two from Bhutan, competed in the event.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
