Bhutan ended the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2026 on a strong note yesterday. The Bhutanese bodybuilders secured one gold and four bronze medals in the final-day performance held at the Clock Tower Square in Thimphu.
Leading Bhutan’s medal tally was 36-year-old Mahalal Rai from Tsirang, who won the gold medal in the senior men’s bodybuilding up to 75-kilogramme category. He outperformed eight other athletes from four South Asian countries in a closely contested event to secure the top podium finish.
He first made his mark on the South Asian stage in 2025, winning gold in the men’s athletic physique up to 167-centimetre category. He later went on to win the Mr Bhutan 2025 title.
“I am happy to have won the gold medal and trophy. This achievement is not mine alone. It is the result of hard work, along with the support, prayers and encouragement of all Bhutanese. I would like to sincerely thank everyone for standing behind me.”
In the women’s events, Choki Wangmo secured a bronze medal in the women’s model physique up to 155-centimetre category, which featured five contestants from Bhutan and India.
Likewise, Ugyen Pema finished third and won bronze in the women’s physique over 155-centimetre category, where four athletes from Bhutan, India, and Nepal competed.
She also claimed bronze in the women’s swimsuit physique open category, which featured nine competitors from the same three countries.
Bhutan added another bronze medal in the mixed pairs open category through Choki Wangmo and Jigme Dukpa. Six pairs from Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka competed in the event.
The championships featured 20 different weight and height categories, with only the senior men’s open bodybuilding division eligible for the Mr South Asia 2026 title.
Meanwhile, India’s Rahul Singh Chauhan was crowned Mr South Asia 2026, receiving a cash prize of 5,000 US Dollars.
“Every bodybuilder faces challenges in life, and I am no different. There are moments when things feel difficult, and the mind does not work as expected. But I always focus on my training. I push myself, I follow my diet strictly, and I keep working hard. That is how I manage to succeed. In the future too, I will continue to push myself beyond my limits.”
A total of 112 athletes from seven South Asian countries, including Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, competed in the two-day championship, which began on Friday.
Bhutanese bodybuilders finished the two-day South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2026 with a total of four gold, three silver and eight bronze medals in the final tally.
Karma Wangdi & Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
